Mobile zoom using multiple optical image stabilization cameras

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include a camera system having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit may include a first actuator. The second camera unit may include a second actuator. In some embodiments, the first actuator may move one or more components of the first camera unit to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization functionality to the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the second actuator may move one or more components of the second camera unit to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization functionality to the second camera unit. In some examples, the first camera unit may be configured to capture a first image of a first visual field. The second camera unit may be configured to capture, simultaneously with the first camera unit capturing the first image, a second image of a second visual field.

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/235,353, filed Sep. 30, 2015, entitled “Multiple ZoomUsing Multiple Optical Image Stabilization Cameras”, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to camera module components, and, morespecifically, to the use of multiple cameras for zoom functions inmobile devices.

Description of the Related Art

The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones andtablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, smallform factor cameras, capable of generating high levels of image quality,for integration in the devices.

Increasingly, as users rely on multifunction devices as their primarycameras for day-to-day use, users demand features, such as zoomphotography, that they have become accustomed to using indedicated-purpose camera bodies. The zoom function is useful forcapturing the details of a scene or alternatively capturing the contextin which those details exist. The ability to change focal length toachieve zoom effects is sufficiently compelling to users of dedicatedpurpose cameras that it compels them to carry bags with an array ofremovable lenses, each of which weighs more and takes up more space thanmany common examples of a multifunction device, such as a phone.

Providing the zoom feature in a camera unit of a multifunction devicehas traditionally required moving mechanical parts that increasecomplexity and cost of the device. Such moving parts also reducereliability of the device and take up valuable space inside the device,which puts the desire for zoom functions in direct conflict with thedesire for smaller camera units that take up less space in themultifunction device.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments provide a camera system (e.g., a dual camera system)having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first cameraunit may include a first actuator configured to move a first opticalpackage. For instance, the first actuator may be configured to move thefirst optical package along a first optical axis and/or along a firstplane that is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The first opticalpackage may include one or more lenses that define the first opticalaxis. Furthermore, the second actuator may be configured to move thesecond optical package along a second optical axis and/or along a secondplane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis. The second opticalpackage may include one or more lenses that define the second opticalaxis.

In various examples, the first actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuation alongthe first optical axis and/or along the first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis. For instance, at least one of the coils maybe configured to receive a current that causes the coil to produce amagnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic field of theone or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the second actuator of the second camera unit mayinclude one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuation alongthe second optical axis and/or along the second plane that is orthogonalto the second optical axis. For instance, at least one of the coils maybe configured to receive a current that causes the coil to produce amagnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic field of theone or more magnets.

In some embodiments, a first camera unit includes a first actuator formoving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. Asecond camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field includes a secondactuator for moving a second optical package configured for a secondfocal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positionedbetween the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generatemagnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the first cameraactuator and the second camera actuator.

In some embodiments, a camera system (e.g., a camera system of amultifunction device) and/or a mobile device may include a first cameraunit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit may include a firstvoice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move a first opticalpackage. For instance, the first VCM actuator may be configured to movethe first optical package along a first optical axis and/or along afirst plane that is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The firstoptical package may include one or more lenses that define the firstoptical axis. Furthermore, the second camera unit may include a secondVCM actuator. The second VCM actuator may be configured to move thesecond optical package along a second optical axis and/or along a secondplane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis. The second opticalpackage may include one or more lenses that define the second opticalaxis.

In various examples, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuation alongthe first optical axis and/or along the first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis. For instance, at least one of the coils maybe configured to receive a current that causes the coil to produce amagnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic field of theone or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude a symmetric magnet arrangement. Additionally or alternatively,the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuator may includefour corner magnets.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude a symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement foractuation along the first plane that is orthogonal to the first opticalaxis. Additionally or alternatively, the symmetric optical imagestabilization arrangement of the first VCM actuator may include fouroptical image stabilization coils. For instance, the first camera unitmay be rectangular in plan, and the four optical image stabilizationcoils of the symmetric optical image stabilization arrangement may beindividually disposed proximate a respective corner of the first cameraunit.

In various embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unitmay include at least one autofocus coil for actuation along the firstoptical axis. For instance, the autofocus coil may be configured toradially surround the first optical package of the first camera unit.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unitmay include one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuationalong the second optical axis and/or along the second plane that isorthogonal to the second optical axis. For instance, at least one of thecoils may be configured to receive a current that causes the coil toproduce a magnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic fieldof the one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unitmay include an asymmetric magnet arrangement. For example, the secondcamera unit may be rectangular in plan, and the asymmetric magnetarrangement may include a first magnet (e.g., an actuator lateralmagnet) disposed proximate a first side of the second camera unit, asecond magnet (e.g., an actuator transverse magnet) disposed proximate asecond side of the second camera unit, and a third magnet (e.g., anactuator transverse magnet) disposed proximate a third side of thesecond camera unit. The third side of the second camera unit may beopposite the second side of the second camera unit. In some embodiments,no magnets are disposed proximate a fourth side of the second cameraunit. The fourth side of the second camera unit may be opposite thefirst side of the second camera unit.

In some examples, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit mayinclude an asymmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement foractuation along the second plane that is orthogonal to the secondoptical axis. For example, the asymmetric optical image stabilizationcoil arrangement may include a first optical image stabilization coildisposed proximate to the first magnet of the asymmetric magnetarrangement, a second optical image stabilization coil disposedproximate to the second magnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement, anda third optical image stabilization coil disposed proximate the thirdmagnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement.

In various embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second cameraunit may include one or more autofocus coils for actuation along thesecond optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coils of the second VCMactuator may include a first autofocus coil disposed proximate thesecond magnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement, and a secondautofocus coil disposed proximate the third magnet of the asymmetricmagnet arrangement.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit may be disposed adjacent tothe second camera unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of an example embodiment of camera modulecomponents arranged for multiple visual fields usable for a multiplecamera system for portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a user interface for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of an example embodiment of camera modulecomponents usable for a multiple camera system for portable zoom withoptical image stabilization, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-D illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 2E-H depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 2I-L illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts an example embodiment of camera modules including cornermagnets in a shared magnet holder usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-E illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shared magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shared magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-E illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-D depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-D illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-C depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shielded magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-G depict example embodiments of camera module componentsincluding arrays of magnets omitting a center magnet between modules andusable for a multiple camera system for portable zoom, according to atleast some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-B depict example embodiments of camera module componentsincluding arrays of magnets omitting a center magnet between modules andusable for a multiple camera system for portable zoom, according to atleast some embodiments.

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment of a camerasystem including a first camera unit and a second camera unit, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 12B depicts a top view of an example embodiment of a camera systemincluding a first camera unit and a second camera unit, according tosome embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12B illustrates example coilarrangements of the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

FIG. 12C depicts a top view of an example embodiment of a camera systemincluding a first camera unit and a second camera unit, according tosome embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12C illustrates example magnetarrangements of the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

FIG. 13A depicts an example magnet arrangement that includes a firstsingle pole magnet adjacent to a second single pole magnet.

FIG. 13B depicts an example magnet arrangement that includes a singlepole magnet adjacent to a dual pole magnet.

FIG. 14A is a flow chart of a method usable in a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIG. 14B is a flow chart of a method usable in a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction devicewith a camera, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a portable multifunction device having a camera,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example computer system having a camera,according to some embodiments.

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units. . . ”. Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from includingadditional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphicscircuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicatingthat the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry)that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, theunit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the taskeven when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currentlyoperational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used withthe “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits,memory storing program instructions executable to implement theoperation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configuredto” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component.Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g.,generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware(e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) tooperate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue.“Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g.,a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g.,integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one ormore tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labelsfor nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering(e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuitmay be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and“second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily implythat the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A,such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also beingbased on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion ofmobile components relative to static components. The apparatus caninclude linear actuators that controls the motion of the mobilecomponents based at least in part upon Lorentz forces. Such linearactuators can be referred to herein as actuator mechanisms. In someembodiments, at least the mobile components included in a cameracomponents or camera systems, such that the actuator mechanisms controlthe motion of optics carriers, which themselves include one or moreoptics components and can include one or more optical lenses, relativeto one or more image sensors.

Some embodiments include methods and/or systems for using multiplecameras to provide optical zoom to a user. Some embodiments include afirst camera unit of a multifunction device capturing a first image of afirst visual field. A second camera unit of the multifunction devicesimultaneously captures a second image of a second visual field. In someembodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package witha first focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unitincludes a second optical package with a second focal length. In someembodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focallength, and the first visual field is a subset of the second visualfield.

In some embodiments, a first camera unit includes a first actuator formoving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. Asecond camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field includes a secondactuator for moving a second optical package configured for a secondfocal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positionedbetween the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generatemagnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the first cameraactuator and the second camera actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderfor the first actuator and the second actuator, to which are attachedone or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets ofthe second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creatingmotion in the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderfor the first actuator and the second actuator, from which the firstcamera actuator and the second camera actuator are suspended usingrespective sets of control wires mounted with a pair of control wires ineach corner of each respective actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderfor the first actuator and the second actuator, from which the firstcamera actuator and the second camera actuator are attached usingrespective sets of control wires. In some embodiments, the camera systemfurther includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite theshared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit.In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of firstactuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another with respectto an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateralmagnet. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a secondactuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet withrespect to an optical axis of the second camera unit; and the camerasystem further includes a pair of second actuator transverse magnetssituated opposite one another with respect to an axis between the sharedmagnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderto which are attached one or more side-mounted magnets of the firstcamera unit and one or more side-mounted magnets of the second cameraunit used to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in oneor more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderto which are moveably articulated one or more coils of the first cameraunit and one or more corner-mounted magnets of the second camera unitused to usable in creating motion in one or more of the first cameraactuator and the second camera actuator.

Some embodiments include a first camera unit of a multifunction devicefor capturing a first image of a first visual field. In someembodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator for movinga first optical package configured for a first focal length. Someembodiments further include a second camera unit of the multifunctiondevice for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second visualfield. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a secondactuator for moving a second optical package configured for a secondfocal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet holder forthe first actuator and the second actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more cornermagnets of the first camera unit and one or more corner magnets of thesecond camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motionin both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, andthe corner magnets are attached to the shared magnet holder.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more side magnetsof the first camera unit and one or more side magnets of the secondcamera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion inboth the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, and themagnets are attached to the shared magnet holder.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more magnets ofthe first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unitto generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the firstcamera actuator and the second camera actuator, the magnets are attachedto the shared magnet holder, and the magnets include a magnet sharedbetween the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first camera actuator and the second actuatorare attached to the shared magnet holder using respective sets ofcontrol wires mounted with a pair of control wires in each corner ofeach respective actuator.

In some embodiments, the first camera actuator and the second actuatorare suspended from the shared magnet holder using respective sets ofcontrol wires mounted in each corner of each respective actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a first actuatorlateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to anoptical axis of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the camerasystem further includes a pair of first actuator transverse magnetssituated opposite one another with respect to an axis between the sharedmagnet and the first actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, thecamera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnetpositioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis ofthe second camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system furtherincludes a pair of second actuator transverse magnets situated oppositeone another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and thesecond actuator lateral magnet.

In some embodiments, a camera unit of a multifunction device includes anoptical package and an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuatorincludes one or more magnets arranged at multiple sides of the opticalpackage. In some embodiments, one of the one or more magnets is sharedwith a second actuator for moving a second optical package. In someembodiments, one or more autofocus coils arranged between respectiveones of the magnets and the optical package.

In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils radially surroundthe optical package. In some embodiments, the actuator is attached to amagnet holder of the camera using respective sets of control wiresmounted with a pair of control wires in each corner of each respectiveactuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is articulated to a magnetholder of the camera using respective sets of control wires mounted witha pair of control wires in each corner of the actuator. In someembodiments, the magnet holder is shared with one or more magnets of thesecond actuator.

In some embodiments, the actuator is attached to a magnet holder of thecamera using a control wire mounted control wires in each corner of theactuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is suspended from a magnetholder of the camera using a control wire mounted control wires in eachcorner of the actuator.

In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includesa first camera unit of the multifunction device for capturing a firstimage of a first visual field. In some embodiments, the first cameraunit includes a first optical image stabilization actuator for moving afirst optical package configured for a first focal length. The camerasystem further includes second camera unit of the multifunction devicefor simultaneously capturing a second image of a second visual field. Insome embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical imagestabilization actuator for moving a second optical package configuredfor a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal lengthis different from the second focal length. In some embodiments, thefirst focal length being different from the second focal length includesboth the first focal length and the second focal length being adjustableranges, which may or may not overlap.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnetpositioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit togenerate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the firstcamera actuator and the second camera actuator. In some embodiments, thecamera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit to generate magnetic fieldsusable in creating motion in both the first camera actuator and thesecond camera actuator.

In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a first actuatorlateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to anoptical axis of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the camerasystem further includes a pair of first actuator transverse magnetssituated opposite one another with respect to an axis between the sharedmagnet and the first actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, thecamera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnetpositioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis ofthe second camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system furtherincludes a pair of second actuator transverse magnets situated oppositeone another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and thesecond actuator lateral magnet.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holderto which are attached one or more magnets of the first camera unit andone or more magnets of the second camera unit used to generate magneticfields usable in creating motion in one or more of the first cameraactuator and the second camera actuator. In some embodiments, the camerasystem includes one or more stationary magnets secured at fixedpositions relative to image sensors of the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motionin one or more of the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator.

In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second centralmagnet array situated along the axis between the first optics package ofthe first camera unit and the second optics package of the second cameraunit. In some embodiments, the second central magnet array includes ansecond central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second centrallower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Insome embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second distal magnetarray situated opposite the second central magnet array with respect tothe second optics package of the second camera unit. In someembodiments, the second distal magnet array includes a second distallower magnet having the first polarity and a second distal upper magnet.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first centralmagnet array situated along an axis between a first optics package ofthe first camera unit and a second optics package of the second cameraunit. In some embodiments, the first central magnet array includes afirst central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first centrallower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Insome embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distal magnetarray situated opposite the first central magnet array with respect tothe first optics package of the first camera unit. In some embodiments,the first distal magnet array includes a first distal lower magnethaving the first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, a magnetic shield is included between the firstoptical image stabilization actuator and the second optical imagestabilization actuator.

In some embodiments, a metallic shield is included between the firstoptical image stabilization actuator and the second optical imagestabilization actuator. In some embodiments, the metallic shieldincludes steel including at least a quantity of iron, a quantity ofmanganese, a quantity of Sulphur, a quantity of phosphorus, and aquantity of carbon. In some embodiments, shielding is articulated toindividual magnets of the first optical image stabilization actuator andthe second optical image stabilization actuator.

In some embodiments, metallic shields are articulated to respective onesof the magnets of the first optical image stabilization actuator andrespective ones of the magnets of the second optical image stabilizationactuator to reduce magnetic interference between the first optical imagestabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilizationactuator.

In some embodiments, a method for capturing images with multiple camerasof a multifunction device includes providing optical image stabilizationto the multiple cameras. In some embodiments, the method includes afirst camera unit of a multifunction device capturing a first image of afirst visual field. In some embodiments, the method includes a secondcamera unit of the multifunction device simultaneously capturing asecond image of a second visual field. In some embodiments, the firstcamera unit includes a first optical package with a first focal length.In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second opticalpackage with a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focallength is different from the second focal length, and the first visualfield is a subset of the second visual field. In some embodiments, themethod includes providing optical image stabilization to the firstcamera unit, and providing optical image stabilization to the secondcamera unit.

In some embodiments, the providing optical image stabilization to thefirst camera unit and the providing optical image stabilization to thesecond camera unit further include moving the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit independently of one another.

In some embodiments, the providing optical image stabilization to thefirst camera unit and the providing optical image stabilization to thesecond camera unit further include moving the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit in unison.

In some embodiments, the providing optical image stabilization to thefirst camera unit and the providing optical image stabilization to thesecond camera unit further include generating a first magnetic field inthe first camera unit and a second magnetic field in the second cameraunit based on a magnet shared between the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit.

In some embodiments, the providing optical image stabilization to thefirst camera unit and the providing optical image stabilization to thesecond camera unit further include moving the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit in unison through operation of a first camera unitactuator and a second camera unit actuator that share a central magnet.

In some embodiments, the providing optical image stabilization to thefirst camera unit and the providing optical image stabilization to thesecond camera unit further include moving the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit in unison through operation of a first camera unitactuator and a second camera unit actuator that share a magnet holder.

Some embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, storing program instructions computer-executable to implementcapturing a first image of a first visual field with a first camera unitof a multifunction device, simultaneously capturing a second image of asecond visual field with a second camera unit of the multifunctiondevice, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit,and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first opticalpackage with a first focal length, the second camera unit includes asecond optical package with a second focal length, the first focallength is different from the second focal length, and the first visualfield is a subset of the second visual field.

In some embodiments, the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unitfurther include program instructions computer-executable to implementmoving the first camera unit and the second camera unit independently ofone another.

In some embodiments, the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unitfurther include program instructions computer-executable to implementmoving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison.

In some embodiments, the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the program instructions computer-executable to implement providingoptical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includeprogram instructions computer-executable to implement generating a firstmagnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field inthe second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first cameraunit and the second camera unit.

In some embodiments, the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the program instructions computer-executable to implement providingoptical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includeprogram instructions computer-executable to implement moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of afirst camera unit actuator and a second camera unit actuator that sharea magnet holder.

In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includesa first camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing a firstimage of a first visual field. In some embodiments, the first cameraunit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical packageconfigured for a first focal length. In some embodiments, a camerasystem of a multifunction device includes a second camera unit of themultifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of asecond visual field. In some embodiments, the second camera unitincludes a second actuator for moving a second optical packageconfigured for a second focal length. In some embodiments, the secondactuator includes a second actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments,the first optical package and the second optical package are situatedbetween the first actuator later magnet and the second actuator lateralmagnet along an axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and thesecond actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, no actuator lateralmagnets are situated between the first optical package and the secondoptical package along the axis.

In some embodiments, the first actuator lateral magnet and the secondactuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned antiparallel to oneanother. In some embodiments, the first camera unit and the secondcamera unit each include a respective first pair of first actuatortransverse magnets situated opposite one another with respect to theaxis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuatorlateral magnet, and the first camera unit and the second camera uniteach include a respective second pair of first actuator transversemagnets situated opposite one another with respect to the axis betweenthe first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateralmagnet.

In some embodiments, the magnets of the respective first pair of firstactuator transverse magnets have polarity alignments parallel to therespective alignments of corresponding respective magnets of the firstpair of second actuator transverse magnets.

In some embodiments, the magnets of the respective first pair of firstactuator transverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallel to therespective alignments of corresponding respective magnets of the firstpair of second actuator transverse magnets.

In some embodiments, the first actuator lateral magnet and the secondactuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned at right angles topolarities of the respective first pair of first actuator transversemagnets.

Some embodiments further include coils aligned with current circulatingin a plane parallel to a plane in which the first actuator lateralmagnet and the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned.

In some embodiments, a camera unit of a multifunction device includes anoptical package and an actuator for moving the optical package to afirst focal length. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a lateralmagnet to one side of the optical package, and a first pair of firstactuator transverse magnets situated on sides opposite one another withrespect to an axis between the optical package and the lateral magnet.In some embodiments, the lateral magnet is situated one on one side ofthe optical package at which no transverse magnets are present. In someembodiments, no actuator lateral magnet is situated on a remaining sideof the optical package at which neither the lateral magnet nor thetransverse magnets are situated.

In some embodiments, coils are aligned with current circulating in aplane parallel to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transversemagnets have polarities aligned.

In some embodiments, coils are aligned with current circulating in aplane perpendicular to a plane in which the lateral magnet and thetransverse magnets have polarities aligned.

In some embodiments, a second pair of first actuator transverse magnetsis situated opposite one another with respect to the axis between thelateral magnet and the optical package. In some embodiments, the magnetsof the first pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignmentsantiparallel to one another.

In some embodiments, the magnets of the second pair of transversemagnets have polarity alignments antiparallel to one another. In someembodiments, the magnets of the first pair of transverse magnets havepolarity alignments antiparallel to magnets of the second pair oftransverse magnets situated on a same side of the axis between thelateral magnet and the optical package.

Some embodiments include an actuator having a lateral magnet for movingan optical package, wherein the lateral magnet is situated to one sideof the optical package, and a first pair of first actuator transversemagnets situated on sides opposite one another with respect to an axisbetween the optical package and the lateral magnet. In some embodiments,the lateral magnet is situated one on one side of the optical package atwhich no transverse magnets are present, and no actuator lateral magnetis situated on a remaining side of the optical package at which netherthe lateral magnet nor the transverse magnets are situated.

In some embodiments, coils are aligned with current circulating in aplane parallel to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transversemagnets have polarities aligned. In some embodiments, coils are alignedwith current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in whichthe lateral magnet and the transverse magnets have polarities aligned.

In some embodiments, a second pair of first actuator transverse magnetssituated opposite one another with respect to the axis between thelateral magnet and the optical package. In some embodiments, the magnetsof the first pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignmentsantiparallel to one another. In some embodiments, the magnets of thesecond pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallelto one another.

In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includesa first camera unit of the multifunction device for capturing a firstimage of a first visual field. In some embodiments, the first cameraunit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package. Insome embodiments, the camera system further includes a second cameraunit for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second visualfield. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a secondactuator for moving a second optical package. The second camera unitincludes a second central magnet array situated along the axis betweenthe first optics package of the first camera unit and the second opticspackage of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the secondcentral magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having afirst polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarityantiparallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the secondcamera unit includes a second distal magnet array situated opposite thesecond central magnet array with respect to the second optics package ofthe second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second distal magnetarray includes a second distal lower magnet having the first polarityand a second distal upper magnet having the polarity antiparallel to thefirst polarity.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first centralmagnet array situated along an axis between a first optics package ofthe first camera unit and a second optics package of the second cameraunit. In some embodiments, the first central magnet array includes afirst central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first centrallower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Insome embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distal magnetarray situated opposite the first central magnet array with respect tothe first optics package of the first camera unit. In some embodiments,the first distal magnet array includes a first distal lower magnethaving the first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

Some embodiments further include an autofocus coil unit of the secondactuator. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit is situatedbetween the second optical package and the second central magnet array.

Some embodiments further include an autofocus coil unit of the secondactuator. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit is situatedbetween the second optical package and the second central magnet array.In some embodiments, an exterior coil unit of the second actuator,wherein the exterior coil unit includes one or more SP coils situatedbetween the second central magnet array and the first camera unit.

In some embodiments, the exterior coil unit includes an upper exteriorcoil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and havinga current circulating in a first direction around the second opticalpackage, and a lower exterior coil segment radially surrounding thesecond optical package and having a current circulating in a seconddirection around the second optical package. In some embodiments, thesecond direction is opposite the first direction.

In some embodiments, the exterior coil unit includes an upper exteriorcoil segment situated at a side of the second optical package and havinga current circulating along a side of the second optical package, and alower exterior coil segment situated at the side of the second opticalpackage and having a current circulating along the side of the secondoptical package.

In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit includes an upper autofocuscoil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and havinga current circulating in a first direction around the second opticalpackage, and a lower autofocus coil segment radially surrounding thesecond optical package and having a current circulating in a seconddirection around the second optical package. In some embodiments, thesecond direction is opposite the first direction.

Some embodiments include a camera unit of a multifunction device. Insome embodiments, the camera unit includes an optical package; and anactuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes one or more magnetarrays including a plurality of magnets arranged at multiple sides ofthe optical package, one or more autofocus coils arranged betweenrespective ones of the magnet arrays and the optical package, and one ormore exterior coils arranged opposite the autofocus coils with respectto the magnet arrays.

In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils radially surroundthe optical package.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnet arrays includes anupper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction inwardtoward the optical package, and each of the one or more magnet arraysfurther includes a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in asecond direction outward from the optical package.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnet arrays includes anupper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction, andeach of the one or more magnet arrays further includes a lower magnethaving a magnetic field aligned in a second direction antiparallel tothe first direction.

In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils include an upperautofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical packageand having a current circulating in a first direction around the secondoptical package, and a lower autofocus coil segment radially surroundingthe second optical package and having a current circulating in a seconddirection around the second optical package. In some embodiments, thesecond direction is opposite the first direction.

In some embodiments, the one or more exterior coils include an upperexterior coil segment radially surrounding the second optical packageand having a current circulating in a first direction around the secondoptical package, and a lower exterior coil segment radially surroundingthe second optical package and having a current circulating in a seconddirection around the second optical package. In some embodiments, thesecond direction is opposite the first direction.

In some embodiments, the one or more exterior coils include an upperexterior coil segment situated at a side of the second optical packageand having a current circulating along a side of the second opticalpackage, and a lower exterior coil segment situated at the side of thesecond optical package and having a current circulating along the sideof the second optical package in a same direction as the upper exteriorcoil segment.

In some embodiments, a camera system includes a first camera unit and asecond camera unit. The first camera unit is a first camera unit forcapturing a first image of a first visual field. In some embodiments,the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a firstoptical package within a first range of focal lengths. The second cameraunit is a second camera unit for simultaneously capturing a second imageof a second visual field. In some embodiments, the second visual fieldis a subset of the first visual field. In some embodiments, the secondcamera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second opticalpackage. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a secondcentral magnet array situated along the axis between the first opticspackage of the first camera unit and the second optics package of thesecond camera unit. In some embodiments, the second central magnet arrayincludes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and asecond central lower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the firstpolarity.

In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second distalmagnet array situated opposite the second central magnet array withrespect to the second optics package of the second camera unit, and thesecond distal magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet havingthe first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having the polarityantiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first centralmagnet array situated along an axis between a first optics package ofthe first camera unit and a second optics package of the second cameraunit, and the first central magnet array includes a first central uppermagnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having apolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distalmagnet array situated opposite the first central magnet array withrespect to the first optics package of the first camera unit, and thefirst distal magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet havingthe first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having the polarityantiparallel to the first polarity.

Some embodiments further include an autofocus coil unit of the secondactuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is situated between the secondoptical package and the second central magnet array.

Some embodiments further include an exterior coil unit of the secondactuator. In some embodiments, the exterior coil unit includes one ormore SP coils situated between the second central magnet array and thefirst camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are preservedto a storage medium as separate data structures. In some embodiments,the first image and second image are of different media types. Forexample, in some embodiments, the first image is a moving image datastructure captured at a first frame rate. In some embodiments, thesecond image is a moving image data structure captured at a second framerate. In some embodiments, the second frame rate is faster than thefirst frame rate. In some embodiments, the first image is a still imagetaken at time t(0), and the second image is a moving image datastructure captured over a time interval including t(0).

Some embodiments assign metadata to the first image and the second imagea time indexing feature for establishing that the first image and thesecond image correspond as having been simultaneously captured orcaptured at overlapping time intervals. Some embodiments display thefirst image in a screen interface with a control for switching todisplay of the second image, and, responsive to an actuation of thecontrol, display the second image in place of the first image. Someembodiments generate a synthetic intermediate image at least in partfrom data of the first image and data of the second image. In someembodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has a third focal lengthdifferent from each of the first focal length and the second focallength, and the synthetic intermediate image has a third visual fielddifferent from each of the first visual field and the second visualfield. Some embodiments preserve storage of the first image and data ofthe second image after creation of the synthetic intermediate image.

Some embodiments generate a synthetic result image at least in part fromdata of the first image and data of the second image. In someembodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has is generated byenhancing the first image using data from the second image. Someembodiments display the first image and the second image in a sharedscreen interface.

Some embodiments include a camera system of a multifunction device. Insome embodiments, the camera system includes a first camera unit of amultifunction device for capturing a first image of a first visual fieldand a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field. In some embodiments,the first camera unit includes a first optical package configured for afirst focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includesa second optical package configured for a second focal length. In someembodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focallength.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a processing unitconfigured to assign to the first image and the second image a timeindexing feature for establishing that the first image and the secondimage were simultaneously captured. In some embodiments, the firstcamera unit includes a lens having a folded lens configuration with alonger focal length than a lens of the second camera unit, and thesecond visual field is centered on a second visual axis aligned with afirst visual axis on which the first visual field is centered.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a lens having alonger focal length than a lens of the second camera unit, and thesecond visual field is centered on a second visual axis aligned with afirst visual axis on which the first visual field is centered. In someembodiments, the first camera unit includes a first moveable lens and afirst image sensor attached a chassis of the camera unit, the secondcamera unit includes a lens and a second image sensor moveably attacheda chassis of the camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first moveablelens and a first image sensor attached a chassis of the camera unit, andthe second camera unit includes a lens and a second image sensormoveably attached a chassis of the camera unit. In some embodiments, thefirst camera unit and the second camera unit include a first imageprocessing pipeline and a second image processing pipeline,respectively.

Some embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, storing program instructions, computer-executable to implement afirst camera unit of a multifunction device capturing a first image of afirst visual field, and a second camera unit of the multifunction devicesimultaneously capturing a second image of a second visual field. Insome embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical packagewith a first focal length, the second camera unit includes a secondoptical package with a second focal length, the first focal length isdifferent from the second focal length, and the first visual field is asubset of the second visual field.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are furthercomputer-executable to implement assigning metadata to the first imageand the second image a time indexing feature for establishing that thefirst image and the second image correspond as having beensimultaneously captured. In some embodiments, the program instructionsare further computer-executable to implement displaying the first imagein a screen interface with a control for switching to display of thesecond image, and responsive to an actuation of the control, displayingthe second image in place of the first image.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are furthercomputer-executable to implement generating a synthetic intermediateimage from data of the first image and data of the second image. In someembodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has a third focal lengthdifferent from each of the first focal length and the second focallength, and the synthetic intermediate image has a third visual fielddifferent from each of the first visual field and the second visualfield. In some embodiments, the program instructions are furthercomputer-executable to implement preserving storage of the first imageand data of the second image after creation of the syntheticintermediate image. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediateimage has is generated by enhancing the first image using data from thesecond image. In some embodiments, the program instructions are furthercomputer-executable to implement displaying the first image and thesecond image in a shared screen interface.

In some embodiments, the first image is a moving image data structurecaptured at a first frame rate. In some embodiments, the second image isa moving image data structure captured at a second frame rate. In someembodiments, the second frame rate is faster than the first frame rate.In some embodiments, the first image is a still image taken at timet(0), and the second image is a moving image data structure capturedover a time interval including t(0).

In some embodiments, a camera system (e.g., a camera system of amultifunction device) and/or a mobile device may include a first cameraunit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit may include a firstvoice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move a first opticalpackage. For instance, the first VCM actuator may be configured to movethe first optical package along a first optical axis and/or along afirst plane that is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The firstoptical package may include one or more lenses that define the firstoptical axis. Furthermore, the second camera unit may include a secondVCM actuator. The second VCM actuator may be configured to move thesecond optical package along a second optical axis and/or along a secondplane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis. The second opticalpackage may include one or more lenses that define the second opticalaxis.

In various examples, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuation alongthe first optical axis and/or along the first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis. For instance, at least one of the coils maybe configured to receive a current that causes the coil to produce amagnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic field of theone or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude a symmetric magnet arrangement. For example, the first cameraunit may be rectangular in plan, and the symmetric magnet arrangementmay include multiple magnets that are individually arranged to exhibitmirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit. Insome examples, the symmetric magnet arrangement may include four magnetsthat are individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about arespective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to atleast one side of the first camera unit. For instance, in someembodiments, the magnets may be individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled at or about 45 degreeswith respect to at least one side of the first camera unit.

Additionally or alternatively, the symmetric magnet arrangement of thefirst VCM actuator may include four corner magnets. For instance, thefirst camera unit may be rectangular in plan, and the four cornermagnets of the symmetric magnet arrangement may be individually disposedproximate a respective corner of the first camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit mayinclude a symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement foractuation along the first plane that is orthogonal to the first opticalaxis. For example, the first camera unit may be rectangular in plan, andthe symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement may includemultiple optical image stabilization coils that are individuallyarranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that isangled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to at least one side of thefirst camera unit. In some examples, the symmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement may include four optical imagestabilization coils that are individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle,with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the coils may be individually arranged toexhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of the first cameraunit.

Additionally or alternatively, the symmetric optical image stabilizationarrangement of the first VCM actuator may include four optical imagestabilization coils. For instance, the first camera unit may berectangular in plan, and the four optical image stabilization coils ofthe symmetric optical image stabilization arrangement may beindividually disposed proximate a respective corner of the first cameraunit.

In some embodiments, at least one magnet of the symmetric magnetarrangement may be configured to magnetically interact with acorresponding optical image stabilization coil of the symmetric opticalimage stabilization coil arrangement. According to some examples, thefirst camera unit may be rectangular in plan, and a combined arrangementof the magnet and the corresponding optical image stabilization coil mayexhibit mirror symmetry about a plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the combined arrangement of the magnetand the corresponding optical image stabilization coil may exhibitmirror symmetry about a plane that is angled at or about 45 degrees withrespect to at least one side of the first camera unit.

In various embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unitmay include at least one autofocus coil for actuation along the firstoptical axis. For instance, the autofocus coil may be configured toradially surround the first optical package of the first camera unit. Insome embodiments, the autofocus coil may be octagonal in plan. Some orall of the magnets of the first VCM actuator may be individuallydisposed proximate a respective side of the octagonal autofocus coil. Inother embodiments, the autofocus coil may otherwise be polygonal, orcircular, in plan.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unitmay include one or more magnets and/or one or more coils for actuationalong the second optical axis and/or along the second plane that isorthogonal to the second optical axis. For instance, at least one of thecoils may be configured to receive a current that causes the coil toproduce a magnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic fieldof the one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unitmay include an asymmetric magnet arrangement. For example, the secondcamera unit may be rectangular in plan, and the asymmetric magnetarrangement may include a first magnet (e.g., an actuator lateralmagnet) disposed proximate a first side of the second camera unit, asecond magnet (e.g., an actuator transverse magnet) disposed proximate asecond side of the second camera unit, and a third magnet (e.g., anactuator transverse magnet) disposed proximate a third side of thesecond camera unit. The third side of the second camera unit may beopposite the second side of the second camera unit. In some embodiments,no magnets are disposed proximate a fourth side of the second cameraunit. The fourth side of the second camera unit may be opposite thefirst side of the second camera unit.

In some examples, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit mayinclude an asymmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement foractuation along the second plane that is orthogonal to the secondoptical axis. For example, the asymmetric optical image stabilizationcoil arrangement may include a first optical image stabilization coildisposed proximate to the first magnet of the asymmetric magnetarrangement, a second optical image stabilization coil disposedproximate to the second magnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement, anda third optical image stabilization coil disposed proximate the thirdmagnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement.

In various embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second cameraunit may include one or more autofocus coils for actuation along thesecond optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coils of the second VCMactuator may include a first autofocus coil disposed proximate thesecond magnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement, and a secondautofocus coil disposed proximate the third magnet of the asymmetricmagnet arrangement.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit may be disposed adjacent tothe second camera unit. For example, the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit may each be rectangular in plan, and the first cameraunit may be disposed adjacent to the second camera unit along a firstaxis that intersects a second axis. For instance, the second axis mayextend through the first optical package of the first camera unit andthe second optical package of the second camera unit. The asymmetricmagnet arrangement of the second VCM actuator may include a first magnetdisposed proximate a first side of the second camera unit that is distalto the first axis. Furthermore, the first magnet may have a longitudinalaxis that is parallel to the first axis. In some embodiments, no magnetsare disposed proximate a second side of the second camera unit that isopposite the first side of the second camera unit. The second side ofthe second camera unit may extend in a direction that is parallel to thefirst axis. In some examples, a dummy mass may be disposed proximate thesecond side of the second camera unit that is opposite the first side ofthe second camera unit. The dummy mass may be configured to act as acounterbalance to the first magnet disposed proximate the first side ofthe second camera unit. In some embodiments, the asymmetric magnetarrangement of the second VCM actuator may further include a secondmagnet disposed proximate a third side of the second camera unit, and athird magnet disposed proximate a fourth side of the second camera unitthat is opposite the third side of the second camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit may be configured to capturea first image of a first visual field. The second camera unit may beconfigured to capture a second image of a second visual field. In someexamples, the first camera unit and the second camera unit may beconfigured to simultaneously capture the first image of the first visualfield and the second image of the second visual field, respectively. Thesecond visual field may be a subset of the first visual field.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first optical package of the firstcamera unit may be configured for a first focal length, and the secondoptical package of the second camera unit may be configured for a secondfocal length. The second focal length may be a different length than thefirst focal length.

In some embodiments, a method for capturing images with multiple cameras(e.g., multiple cameras of a multifunction device) may include capturinga first image of a first visual field and capturing a second image of asecond visual field. The second visual field may be a subset of thefirst visual field. According to various examples, capturing the secondimage may occur simultaneously with capturing the first image. In someexamples, the first image of the first visual field may be captured viaa first camera unit. The first camera unit may include a first VCMactuator and a first optical package with a first focal length. Thesecond image of the second visual field may be captured via a secondcamera unit. The second camera unit may include a second VCM actuatorand a second optical package with a second focal length. The secondfocal length of the second optical package may be a different lengththan the first focal length of the first optical package.

In some embodiments, the method may include actuating movement of thefirst camera unit to provide optical image stabilization and/or focus(e.g., autofocus) to the first camera unit. For instance, movement ofthe first camera unit may be actuated via the first VCM actuator of thefirst camera unit. The first VCM actuator may include a symmetric magnetarrangement. Furthermore, the first VCM actuator may include multiplecoils, and actuating movement of the first camera unit may includeproviding a current through one or more of the coils such that thecurrent-receiving coil(s) interact with one or more magnets of thesymmetric magnet arrangement. The coils may include at least oneautofocus coil and a symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement. The autofocus coil may be configured to radially surroundthe first optical package and to provide focus to the first camera unit.The symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement may beconfigured to provide optical image stabilization to the first cameraunit.

In some embodiments, the method may include actuating movement of thesecond camera unit to provide optical image stabilization and/or focus(e.g., autofocus) to the second camera unit. For instance, movement ofthe second camera unit may be actuated via the second VCM actuator ofthe second camera unit. The second VCM actuator may include anasymmetric magnet arrangement. Furthermore, the second VCM actuator mayinclude at least one autofocus coil and an asymmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed asecond contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a firstcontact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contactand the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the samecontact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” dependingon the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as amobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/ormusic player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such aslaptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g., touchscreen displays and/or touch pads), may also be used. It should also beunderstood that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portablecommunications device, but is a desktop computer with a touch-sensitivesurface (e.g., a touch screen display and/or a touch pad). In someembodiments, the device is a gaming computer with orientation sensors(e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming controller). In otherembodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but isa camera.

In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the electronic device may include one or moreother physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, amouse and/or a joystick.

The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one ormore of the following: a drawing application, a presentationapplication, a word processing application, a website creationapplication, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, agaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencingapplication, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, aworkout support application, a photo management application, a digitalcamera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsingapplication, a digital music player application, and/or a digital videoplayer application.

The various applications that may be executed on the device may use oneor more common physical user-interface devices, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device maybe adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or withina respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture(such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support thevariety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive andtransparent to the user.

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of an example embodiment of camera modulecomponents arranged for multiple visual fields usable for a multiplecamera system for portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.A portable multifunction device 1080 includes a first opticalsensor/camera unit 1082 with a first focal length 1090 for capturing afirst visual field 1086 and a second optical sensor/camera unit 1084with a first focal length 1092 for capturing a first visual field 1088.

Some embodiments include a first camera unit 1082 (such as one of thecameras described below with respect to FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C) of amultifunction device capturing a first image of a first visual field1086. A second camera unit 1084 (such as one of the cameras describedbelow with respect to FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C) of the multifunction device1080 simultaneously captures a second image of a first visual field1088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1082 includes a firstoptical package with a first focal length 1090. In some embodiments, thesecond camera unit 1084 includes a second optical package (describedbelow with respect to FIG. 1B, below) with a second focal length 1092.In some embodiments, the first focal length 1090 is different from thesecond focal length 1092, and the first visual field 1086 is a subset ofthe first visual field 1088. In some embodiments, the first image andthe second image are preserved to a storage medium as separate datastructures.

In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device 1080,includes a first camera unit 1082 of the multifunction device forcapturing a first image of a first visual field 1086. In someembodiments, the first camera unit 1082 includes a first optical imagestabilization actuator for moving a first optical package configured fora first focal length 1090. The camera system further includes secondcamera 1084 unit of the multifunction device 1080 for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a first visual field 1088. In someembodiments, the second camera unit 1084 includes a second optical imagestabilization actuator for moving a second optical package configuredfor a second focal length 1092. In some embodiments, the first focallength 1090 is different from the second focal length 1092. In someembodiments, the first focal length being different from the secondfocal length includes both the first focal length and the second focallength being adjustable ranges, which may or may not overlap.

Some embodiments assign metadata to the first image of the first visualfield 1086 and the second image of the first visual field 1088 a timeindexing feature for establishing that the first image of the firstvisual field 1086 and the second image of the first visual field 1088correspond as having been simultaneously captured. Some embodimentsdisplay the first image of the first visual field 1086 in a screeninterface with a control for switching to display of the second image ofthe first visual field 1088, and, responsive to an actuation of thecontrol, display the second image of the first visual field 1088 inplace of the first image. Some embodiments generate a syntheticintermediate image at least in part from data of the first image of thefirst visual field 1086 and data of the second image of the first visualfield 1088. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has athird focal length different from each of the first focal length 1090and the second focal length 1092, and the synthetic intermediate imagehas a third visual field different from each of the first visual field1086 and the first visual field 1088. Some embodiments preserve storageof the first image of the first visual field 1086 and data of the secondimage of the first visual field 1088 after creation of the syntheticintermediate image.

Some embodiments generate a synthetic result image at least in part fromdata of the first image of the first visual field 1086 and data of thesecond image of the first visual field 1088. In some embodiments, thesynthetic intermediate image has is generated by enhancing the firstimage of the first visual field 1086 using data from the second image ofthe first visual field 1088. Some embodiments display the first image ofthe first visual field 1086 and the second image of the first visualfield 1088 in a shared screen interface.

Some embodiments include a camera system of a multifunction device. Insome embodiments, the camera system includes a first camera unit 1082 ofa multifunction device 1080 for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field 1086 and a second camera unit of the multifunction devicefor simultaneously capturing a second image of a first visual field1088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1082 includes a firstoptical package configured for a first focal length 1090. In someembodiments, the second camera unit 1084 includes a second opticalpackage configured for a second focal length 1092. In some embodiments,the first focal length 1090 is different from the second focal length1092.

In some embodiments, the camera system includes a processing unitconfigured to assign to the first image of a first visual field 1086 andthe second image a time indexing feature for establishing that the firstimage and the second image of a first visual field 1088 weresimultaneously captured. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1082includes a lens having a folded lens configuration (not shown) with alonger focal length 1090 than a focal length 1092 of a lens of thesecond camera unit 1084, and the first visual field 1088 is centered ona second visual axis aligned with a first visual axis on which the firstvisual field 1086 is centered. In some embodiments, the first cameraunit 1082 includes a first moveable lens (shown below with respect toFIG. 1C) and a first image sensor attached a chassis of the camera unit,the second camera unit includes a lens and a second image sensormoveably attached a chassis of the second camera unit 1084.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1082 includes a firstmoveable lens and a first image sensor attached a chassis of the first1082 camera unit, and the second camera unit 1084 includes a lens (shownbelow with respect to FIG. 1C) and a second image sensor moveablyattached a chassis of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, thefirst camera unit 1082 and the second camera unit 1084 include a firstimage processing pipeline and a second image processing pipeline,respectively.

In some embodiments, the first image and second image are of differentmedia types. For example, in some embodiments, the first image is amoving image data structure captured at a first frame rate. In someembodiments, the second image is a moving image data structure capturedat a second frame rate. In some embodiments, the second frame rate isfaster than the first frame rate. In some embodiments, the first imageis a still image taken at time t(0), and the second image is a movingimage data structure captured over a time interval including t(0).

In some embodiments, the first image has a first resolution and thesecond image has a second resolution. An example of the use of a firstimage that is a moving image data structure at a first frame rate and asecond image that is a moving image data structure at a second framerate arises in that some embodiments include second camera module 1084recording 720 p (also known as 720 pixels of vertical resolutionprogressive scan) slow motion video at 240 frames per second while firstcamera module 1082 is capturing 4K (horizontal resolution on the orderof 4,000 pixels) video at 30 frames per second. In some embodiments, theanalog-to-digital converter bandwidth required for each separate moduleto achieve the recording is 220-270 Mpixels/s. Achieving the samefunctionality with conventional single camera module technology requiresup to 32 times higher analog-to-digital converter bandwidth for a singlecamera module if it is compared to embodiments in which there is a 2×difference in focal length from wide to tele module, providing benefitsin terms of power, thermal dissipation, storage bandwidth, storagecapacity, and actual achievable frame rates combined with zoomcapability.

A use case for some embodiments is well-illustrated with respect tosports photography. In one example use case, it is possible to imagine auser of portable multifunction device 1080 filming a batter in abaseball game. Recording video of the game with portable multifunctiondevice 1080 from bleachers, not shown, a user may decide to zoom in tocapture a batter swinging and hitting the ball in slow motion usingsecond camera module 1084 recording 720 p slow motion video at 240frames per second, but may subsequently want to switch to thesimultaneously captured 4K video from first camera module 1082 at 30frames per second of resulting home run in high quality video of thefull baseball field, to capture the moments where the opposing teamscrambles to catch the ball and the batter is running from base to base.Some embodiments enable this mixed-video capture by simultaneouslyrecording using second camera module 1084 as a telephoto camera modulein a 240 frames per second slow motion mode while at the same time usingfirst camera module 1082 as a wide camera module in a 4K at 30 framesper second. After capturing a data structure including both videostreams the awesome moment, some embodiments provide for a mixed-videodata structure and an interface for the video streams from the twoseparate camera modules to be manually or automatically edited andcombined to create a more engaging media which may contain normal 1080pvideo, 4K high resolution video, 720 p motion video, and still images.In the example described above, this mixed-video media both captures theclose up expressions of players, the peak action in slow motion, andframes it all in the context of a great play in a baseball game.

Another example of a use case for some embodiments arises in the contextof capturing a child extinguishing candles on a birthday cake. In suchan example, one can imagine a child about to blow out the candles on thebirthday cake while all her friends are singing a birthday song. In someembodiments, second camera module 1084 can be used as a telephoto cameramodule to zoom in on the face of the child as she is about to blow outthe candles and first camera module 1082 can capture a burst of highresolution still images of her smiling face. In some embodiments, firstcamera module 1082 is simultaneously capturing standard 1080p 30 framesper second video of the entire group of kids gathered and singing aroundthe cake. Some embodiments provide an editing interface for combiningthe video stream from the wide camera module, either manually orautomatically, with the close up portraits to create a much moreengaging media experience which can be shared. As the two camera modulesare synchronized in time, the still images can easily be automaticallyinserted at the right time in a final video stream.

FIG. 1B illustrates a user interface for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. A portablemultifunction device 100 displays a first image of a first visual field104 captured by a first camera unit and a second image of a secondvisual field 102 simultaneously captured by a second camera unit of themultifunction device 100. A zoom control 106 is displayed within firstimage of a first visual field 104. In the embodiment shown, zoom control106 is an area of first image of first visual field 104, that, inresponse to control actuation through the touch screen of portablemultifunction device 100, is used as a control for toggling the displaymode for displaying first image of a first visual field 104 captured bya first camera unit and second image of a second visual field 102simultaneously captured by a second camera unit of the multifunctiondevice 100.

Some embodiments assign metadata to the first image 104 and the secondimage 102 for a time indexing feature for establishing that the firstimage 104 and the second image 102 correspond as having beensimultaneously captured. Some embodiments display the first image 104 ina screen interface with a control (e.g., similar to control 106) forswitching to display of the second image 102, and, responsive to anactuation of the control 106, display the second image 102 in place ofthe first image 104. Some embodiments generate a synthetic intermediateimage at least in part from data of the first image 104 and data of thesecond image 102.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of an example embodiment of camera module,according to at least some embodiments. Camera module 1000, which is anembodiment of cameras 1564 a-b discussed below, includes cameracomponents such as an optics module (e.g., a lens barrel) 1002 attachedto an optics holder 1003 and a magnet holder 1006. An image sensor 1070,which may or may not be mounted on a substrate that is not shownseparately in FIG. 1C, is attached to a camera module base 1008. Thecamera components may further include, in addition to components such aspower and remote control connections not shown, a cover 1012 andsuspension wires 1020.

Optics module 1002 may be suspended on the base assembly 1008 bysuspension of the upper springs 1030 and the suspension wires 1020.Camera components may include one or more of, but are not limited to,optics 1002, optics holder 1003, magnet holder(s) 1006, upper spring(s)1030, and lower spring(s) 1032. The upper and lower spring(s) may becollectively referred to herein as optics springs. An optics module(e.g., a lens or lens assembly or lens barrel) 1002 may be screwed,mounted or otherwise held in or by an optics holder 1003. In at leastsome embodiments, the optics 1002/optics holder 1003 assembly may besuspended from or attached to the magnet holder 1006 by upper spring(s)1030, and lower spring(s) 1032. Note that upper spring(s) 1030 and lowerspring(s) 1032 are flexible to allow the optics assembly 1000 a range ofmotion along the Z (optical) axis for optical focusing, wires 1020 areflexible to allow a range of motion on the XY plane orthogonal to theoptical axis for optical image stabilization.

Note that, in some embodiments, a camera may not include magnets andmagnet holder(s) 1006, but may include a yoke or other structure 1006that may be used to help support the optics assembly on suspension wires1020 via upper springs 1030. In general, other embodiments of an opticsassembly 1000 may include fewer or more components than the exampleoptics assembly 1000 shown in FIG. 1C. Also note that, while embodimentsshow the optics assembly 1000 suspended on wires 1020, other mechanismsmay be used to suspend an optics assembly 1000 in other embodiments.

The autofocus yoke (e.g., magnet holder(s) 1006) acts as the supportchassis structure for the autofocus mechanism of actuator 1000. The lenscarrier (optics holder 1003) is suspended on the autofocus yoke by anupper autofocus (AF) spring 1030 and a lower optics spring 1032. In thisway when an electric current is applied to the autofocus coil, Lorentzforces are developed due to the presence of the four magnets, and aforce substantially parallel to the optical axis is generated to movethe lens carrier, and hence lens, along the optical axis, relative tothe support structure of the autofocus mechanism of the actuator, so asto focus the lens. In addition to suspending the lens carrier andsubstantially eliminating parasitic motions, the upper spring 1030 andlower spring 1032 also resist the Lorentz forces, and hence convert theforces to a displacement of the lens. This basic architecture shown inFIG. 1C is typical of some embodiments, in which optical imagestabilization function includes moving the entire autofocus mechanism ofthe actuator (supported by the autofocus yoke) in linear directionsorthogonal to the optical axis, in response to user handshake, asdetected by some means, such a two or three axis gyroscope, which sensesangular velocity. The handshake of interest is the changing angular tiltof the camera in ‘pitch and yaw directions’, which can be compensated bysaid linear movements of the lens relative to the image sensor.

In at least some embodiments, the suspension of the autofocus mechanismon the actuator 1000 support structure may be achieved by the use offour corner wires 1020, for example wires with a circular cross-section.Each wire 1020 acts as a flexure beams capable of bending withrelatively low stiffness, thus allowing motion in both optical imagestabilization degrees-of-freedom. However, wire 1020 is in someembodiments relatively stiff in directions parallel to the optical axis,as this would require the wire to stretch or buckle, thus substantiallypreventing parasitic motions in these directions. In addition, thepresence of four such wires, appropriately separated allows them to bestiff in the parasitic tilt directions of pitch and yaw, thussubstantially preventing relative dynamic tilt between the lens andimage sensor. This may be seen by appreciating that each wire 1020 isstiff in directions that require it to change in length, and hence thefixed points at the ends of each wire (eight points in total) willsubstantially form the vertices of a parallelepiped for all operationalpositions of the optical image stabilization mechanism.

FIGS. 2A-D illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

Each of FIGS. 2A-2C includes a different view of a camera unit 200 a-c,which is one embodiment of a first camera unit or a second camera unitof a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a first orsecond visual field. Each of camera units 200 a-c includes one of opticspackages 202 a-c and one of optical image stabilization actuators 204a-c for moving the optical package 202 a-c configured for focal lengthor an adjustable range of focal lengths. FIG. 2D is a legend indicatingthe motion capability of various components illustrated in each of FIGS.2A-C.

Optical stabilization actuators 204 a-c include magnet arrays 206 a-cand 218 a-c, which include central magnet arrays 206 a-c and distalmagnet arrays 218 a-c. In some embodiments, central magnet arrays 206a-c and distal magnet arrays 218 a-c are arranged in opposing andmutually-cancelling pairs of magnets. Additionally, in some embodiments,lower magnet arrays 220 b-c and upper magnet array 222 b are arranged inanalogous opposing and mutually-cancelling pairs. In some embodiments,the designation of central magnet arrays 206 a-c and distal magnetarrays 218 a-c is arbitrary, with the difference between them being theopposite and mutually cancelling arrangement of magnets in therespective arrays. In some embodiments, the designation of centralmagnet arrays 206 a-c and distal magnet arrays 218 a-c is defined withrespect to a center line between a pair of camera units in a camerasystem, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, an opticalpackage or optics module is a set of components (e.g., a lens barrel)housing one or more lens elements and other components for connecting alens to an actuator for moving the lens relative to an image sensor.

As portrayed in FIGS. 2A-2D, camera units 200 a-c include central magnetarrays 206 a-c, which can be situated along the axis between the opticspackage of a first camera unit and an optics package of a second cameraunit. Central magnet array 206 a includes a central upper magnet 210 ahaving a first polarity and a central lower magnet 212 a having apolarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Camera units 200 a-c alsoinclude distal magnet arrays 218 a-c situated opposite the centralmagnet arrays 206 a-c with respect to the optics packages 202 a-c of thecamera units 200 a-c. Distal magnet array 218 a includes a distal lowermagnet 216 a having the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 ahaving the polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 a-c include distal magnet arrays218 a-c that are situated opposite the central magnet arrays 206 a-cwith respect to the optics packages 202 a-c of the camera units 200 a-cand the distal magnet arrays 218 a-c include a distal lower magnet 216 ahaving the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 a having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 a-c include upper autofocus coils208 a-b and lower autofocus coils 228 a attached to optics packages 202a-c for moving optics packages 202 a-c in any of an X, Y, or Z axis,where, in some embodiments, the Z axis is the optical axis of opticspackages 202 a-c (thus, with at three degrees of freedom). In someembodiments, central magnet arrays 206 a-c and distal magnet arrays 218a-c interact with upper latitudinal SP coils 226 a-c and lower SPlatitudinal coils 224 a and 224 c.

FIGS. 2E-G depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. Each of FIGS.2E-2G includes a different view of a camera unit 200 e-g, which is oneembodiment of a first camera unit or a second camera unit of amultifunction device for capturing a first image of a first or secondvisual field. Each of camera units 200 e-g includes one of opticspackages 202 e-g and one of optical image stabilization actuators 204 e(not labeled in FIG. 2F or shown in FIG. 2G) for moving the opticalpackage 202 e-g configured for focal length or an adjustable range offocal lengths. FIG. 2H is a legend indicating the motion capability ofvarious components illustrated in each of FIGS. 2E-G. As one of skill inthe art will readily comprehend in light of having viewed the presentdisclosure, while particular orientations of magnets and directions ofcurrent are shown for the embodiments depicted herein, other embodimentsexist, in which the direction of current and orientations of magneticpoles are reversed, and such embodiments are within the scope and intentof the present disclosure.

Optical stabilization actuator 204 e includes magnet arrays 206 e-f and218 e-f, which include central magnet arrays 206 e-f and distal magnetarrays 218 e-f. In some embodiments, central magnet arrays 206 e-f anddistal magnet arrays 218 e-f are arranged in opposing andmutually-cancelling pairs of magnets. Additionally, in some embodiments,lower magnet arrays 220 f and upper magnet array 222 f are arranged inanalogous opposing and mutually-cancelling pairs. In some embodiments,the designation of central magnet arrays 206 e-f and distal magnetarrays 218 e-f is arbitrary, with the difference between them being theopposite and mutually cancelling arrangement of magnets in therespective arrays. In some embodiments, the designation of centralmagnet arrays 206 e-f and distal magnet arrays 218 e-f is defined withrespect to a center line between a pair of camera units in a camerasystem, as described elsewhere herein.

As portrayed in FIGS. 2E-2G, camera units 200 e-g include central magnetarrays 206 e-f, which can be situated along the axis between the opticspackage of a first camera unit and an optics package of a second cameraunit. Central magnet array 206 e includes a central upper magnet 210 ehaving a first polarity and a central lower magnet 212 e having apolarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Camera units 200 e-f alsoinclude distal magnet arrays 218 e-f situated opposite the centralmagnet arrays 206 e-f with respect to the optics packages 202 e-g of thecamera units 200 e-g. Distal magnet array 218 e includes a distal lowermagnet 216 e having the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 ehaving the polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 e-g include distal magnet arrays218 a-c that are situated opposite the central magnet arrays 206 a-cwith respect to the optics packages 202 a-c of the camera units 200 e-fand the distal magnet arrays 218 e-f include a distal lower magnet 216 ehaving the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 e having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 e-g include upper autofocus coils208 e-f and lower autofocus coils 228 e attached to optics packages 202e-f for moving optics packages 202 e-f in any of an X, Y, or Z axis,where, in some embodiments, the Z axis is the optical axis of opticspackages 202 e-f (thus, with at three degrees of freedom). In someembodiments, central magnet arrays 206 e-f and distal magnet arrays 218e-f interact with central coils 226 e and 226 g and radial SP coils 224e-g.

FIGS. 2I-L illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding paired side magnet arrays usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. Each of FIGS.2I-2K includes a different view of a camera unit 200 i-k, which is oneembodiment of a first camera unit or a second camera unit of amultifunction device for capturing a first image of a first or secondvisual field. Each of camera units 200 i-k includes one of opticspackages 202 i-k and one of optical image stabilization actuators 204 i(not labeled in FIG. 2J or shown in FIG. 2K) for moving the opticalpackage 202 i-k configured for focal length or an adjustable range offocal lengths. FIG. 2L is a legend indicating the motion capability ofvarious components illustrated in each of FIGS. 2I-K.

Optical stabilization actuator 204 i includes magnet arrays 206 i-j and218 i-j, which include central magnet arrays 206 i-j and distal magnetarrays 218 i-j. In some embodiments, central magnet arrays 206 i-j anddistal magnet arrays 218 i-j are arranged in opposing andmutually-cancelling pairs of magnets. Additionally, in some embodiments,lower magnet array 220 j and upper magnet array 222 j are arranged inanalogous opposing and mutually-cancelling pairs. In some embodiments,the designation of central magnet arrays 206 i-j and distal magnetarrays 218 i-j is arbitrary, with the difference between them being theopposite and mutually cancelling arrangement of magnets in therespective arrays. In some embodiments, the designation of centralmagnet arrays 206 i-j and distal magnet arrays 218 i-j is defined withrespect to a center line between a pair of camera units in a camerasystem, as described elsewhere herein.

As portrayed in FIGS. 2I-2K, camera units 200 i-k include central magnetarrays 206 i-j, which can be situated along the axis between the opticspackage of a first camera unit and an optics package of a second cameraunit. Central magnet array 206 i includes a central upper magnet 210 ihaving a first polarity and a central lower magnet 212 i having apolarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Camera units 200 i-j alsoinclude distal magnet arrays 218 i-j situated opposite the centralmagnet arrays 206 i-j with respect to the optics packages 202 i-j of thecamera units 200 i-j. Distal magnet array 218 i includes a distal lowermagnet 216 i having the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 ihaving the polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 i-j include distal magnet arrays218 i-j that are situated opposite the central magnet arrays 206 i-jwith respect to the optics packages 202 i-j of the camera units 200 i-jand the distal magnet arrays 218 i-j include a distal lower magnet 216 ihaving the first polarity and a distal upper magnet 214 i having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

In some embodiments, camera units 200 i-j include upper autofocus coils208 i-j and lower autofocus coils 228 j attached to optics packages 202i-j for moving optics packages 202 i-j in any of an X, Y, or Z axis,where, in some embodiments, the Z axis is the optical axis of opticspackages 202 e-f (thus, with at three degrees of freedom). In someembodiments, central magnet arrays 206 i-j and distal magnet arrays 218i-j interact with top SP coils 226 i-j and lower SP coils 224 i and 224k.

FIG. 3 depicts an example embodiment of camera modules including cornermagnets in a shared magnet holder usable for a multiple camera systemfor portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the VCM applies the same OIS correction to bothmodules together at any given time. In some embodiments, OIS correctionis a function of focal length and is different for the two modules.Thus, at any given moment the VCM can stabilize only one module.

In some embodiments, video capture involves shooting with only one lensat a time and the VCM can successfully command OIS correction as userswitches between the 1× and 4× lenses.

In some embodiments, image fusion combines the wide field of view from a1× lens and the narrow focus from a 4× lens to produce a wide angleimage with extra detail and sharpness around the subject (image center).It can also be used to generate depth data (stereo vision). In someembodiments, dual OIS solution allows commanding different correctionson the two OIS modules simultaneously. In some embodiments, in fastexposure and shots with low subject motion, the two OIS corrections canbe applied in succession producing the same effect.

A dual camera unit 300 includes one embodiment of a first camera unit302 a and a second camera unit 302 b of a multifunction device forcapturing a first image of a first or second visual field. Each ofcamera units 300 a-b includes one of optics packages (circular feature)304 a-b and one of optical image stabilization actuators 306 a-b usingautofocus coils 320 a-b for moving the optical package 306 a-bconfigured for focal length or an adjustable range of focal lengths.

In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 300 includesa shared magnet holder 308 to which are attached one or more magnets 310a-316 a of the first camera unit and one or more magnets 310 b-316 b ofthe second camera unit used to generate magnetic fields usable increating motion in one or more of the first camera actuator 306 a andthe second camera actuator 306 b. In some embodiments, the camera systemof dual camera unit 300 includes a shared magnet holder 308 to which areattached one or more diagonal-angled corner magnets 310 a-316 a of thefirst camera unit and one or more diagonal-angled corner magnets 310b-316 b of the second camera unit used to generate magnetic fieldsusable in creating motion in one or more of the first camera actuator306 a and the second camera actuator 306 b, though other embodiments mayemploy shared magnet holder 308 with linear magnet pairs or linearmagnets as described elsewhere herein.

FIGS. 4A-E illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shared magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. In someembodiments, by using side magnets the VCMs can share one magnet betweenthe two modules. In some embodiments, a shared magnet helps reduce thelens center to center distance i.e. parallax reduction (as well asoverall size. A square design also permits symmetric dynamics. In someembodiments, the VCM applies the same OIS correction to both modulestogether at any given time. In some embodiments, OIS correction is afunction of focal length and is different for the two modules. Thus, atany given moment the VCM in some embodiments stabilizes only one module.

In some embodiments, capture involves shooting with only one lens at atime and the VCM can successfully command OIS correction as userswitches between the 1× and 4× lenses. In some embodiments, image fusioncombines the wide field of view from the 1× lens and the narrow focusfrom the 4× lens to produce a wide angle image with extra detail andsharpness around the subject (image center). In some embodiments, it canalso be used to generate depth data (stereo vision).

A dual camera unit 400 a-e includes one embodiment of a first cameraunit 402 a-e and a second camera unit 418 a-d of a multifunction devicefor capturing a first image of a first or second visual field. Each ofcamera units 402 a-e and 418 a-d includes one of optics packages 404 b-eand 406 b-d and actuator components for moving the optical packages 404b-e and 406 b-d configured for focal length or an adjustable range offocal lengths. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual cameraunit 400 a-e includes a shared magnet holder 408 a-e to which areattached one or more shared magnets 420 a and one or more unsharedmagnets 410 a-412 a of the first camera unit 402 a-e and one or moremagnets 413 a-415 a of the second camera unit 418 a-d used to generatemagnetic fields usable in creating motion in one or more of the firstcamera unit 402 a-e and the second camera unit 418 a-d. In someembodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 400 a-e includescoils 430 a-438 e of the first camera unit 402 a-e and one or more coils440 a-448 e of the second camera unit used to generate force usable increating motion in one or more of the first camera unit 402 a-e and thesecond camera unit 418 a-d. Suspension wires 450 c-452 e and a coveringcan 454 b-e are also shown. In some embodiments, coil 436 b-d and coil446 b-d are a single shared coil. In some embodiments, shared magnetholder 408 a-e is a pair of separate units articulated together.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shared magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. A dual cameraunit 500 a-c includes one embodiment of a first camera unit 502 a-c anda second camera unit 518 a-b of a multifunction device for capturing afirst image of a first or second visual field. Each of camera units 502a-c and 518 a-b includes one of optics packages 504 a-c and 506 a-b andactuator components for moving the optical packages 504 a-c and 506 a-bconfigured for focal length or an adjustable range of focal lengths. Insome embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 500 a-c includesa shared magnet holder 508 a-b to which are attached one or more sharedmagnets 520 a and one or more unshared magnets 510 a-512 a of the firstcamera unit 502 a-c and one or more magnets 513 a-515 a of the secondcamera unit 518 a-b used to generate magnetic fields usable in creatingmotion in one or more of the first camera unit 502 a-c and the secondcamera unit 518 a-d. In some embodiments, the indicated magnetic fielddirections of all of shared magnet 520 a and one or more unsharedmagnets 510 a-512 a of the first camera unit 502 a-c are oriented inwardtoward optics packages 504 a-c while the indicated magnetic fielddirections of all of shared magnet 520 a and one or more magnets 513a-515 a of the second camera unit 518 a-b are oriented outward away fromoptics packages 504 a-b.

In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 500 a-eincludes coils 530 a-536 c of the first camera unit 502 a-c and one ormore coils 540 a-544 b of the second camera unit used to generate forceusable in creating motion in one or more of the first camera unit 502a-c and the second camera unit 518 a-b. Suspension wires 550 c and acovering can 554 a-c are also shown. In some embodiments, coil 546 a-bis a single shared coil. In some embodiments, shared magnet holder 508a-b is a pair of separate units articulated together.

FIGS. 6A-E illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. In someembodiments, the VCM architecture of FIGS. 6A-E is based on a stationarymagnet design, allowing for two OIS VCMs to be placed side to side withreduced stroke loss due to magnetic interactions between the two. Insome embodiments, the VCMs can be used to independently command therequired OIS corrections on the two modules.

In some embodiments, the current design allows for inclusion of 3different independent drive channels (Drive X, Drive Y, Drive Z) and a4th Auxiliary channel for Zoom or Electrochromic aperture.

Camera units 602 a-c include one embodiment of a first camera unitand/or a second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing afirst image of a first or second visual field. Each of camera units 602a-c includes one of optics carriers 604 a-b containing an optics packageand actuator components for moving the optical packages in opticscarriers 604 a-b configured for focal length or an adjustable range offocal lengths.

In some embodiments, the camera systems of camera units 602 a-c includeone or more stationary magnets 610 a-616 a of the camera units 602 a-cto generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in one or more ofthe camera unit 602 a-c.

In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 602 a-c includescoils 630 b-632 b set in a coil base 628 a-c and coil holder 626 a-b ofthe camera unit 602 a-c used to generate force usable in creating motionin the camera unit 602 a-c. Suspension and control wires 658 a-672 bprovide for both suspension and transmission of control and datasignals. A coil race track 632 b-638 c and a base 640 b-c are alsoshown. Wires 670 a-672 a provide AF (+/−) signals. Wires 658 a-660 aprovide Aux (+/−) signals. Wires 662 a-664 a provide SP_X (+/−) signals.Wires 666 a-668 a provide SP_Y (+/−) signals.

FIG. 6E contains a legend for understanding the various parts of FIGS.6A-6C. FIG. 6D shows articulation of control wires 662 a-664 a to frames688 d-690 d.

FIGS. 7A-D depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. Dual camera units700 a-c include embodiments of a first camera unit 702 a-c and a secondcamera unit 718 a-c of a multifunction device for capturing a firstimage of a first or second visual field.

Each of camera units 702 a-c and 718 a-c includes one of optics packages704 a-b and 709 a-b and actuator components for moving the opticalpackages 704 a-b and 709 a-b configured for focal length or anadjustable range of focal lengths.

In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 700 a-cincludes independent magnet holders 707 a-708 b to which are attachedone or more one or more unshared magnets 710 a-713 c of the first cameraunit 702 a-c and one or more magnets 714 a-717 c of the second cameraunit 718 a-c used to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motionin one or more of the first camera unit 702 a-c and the second cameraunit 718 a-c. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit700 a-c includes coils 732 b-734 b of the first camera unit 702 b andone or more coils 736 b-738 b of the second camera unit used to generateforce usable in creating motion in one or more of the first camera unit702 a-c and the second camera unit 718 a-c. Suspension wires 750 a-764 bare also shown. Coil bases 780 a-782 c, actuator bases 790 b-792 c, andSP coil race tracks 770 b-778 c. FIG. 7D is a legend illustrating thecomponents of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIGS. 8A-D illustrate an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding stationary magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. Dual camera units800 a-c include embodiments of a first camera unit 802 a-c sharing amagnet 815 a-815 c a second camera unit 818 a-c of a multifunctiondevice for capturing a first image of a first or second visual field.

Each of camera units 802 a-c and 818 a-c includes one of optics packages804 a-b and 809 a-b and actuator components for moving the opticalpackages 804 a-b and 809 a-b configured for focal length or anadjustable range of focal lengths.

In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 800 a-cincludes independent magnet holders 807 a-808 b to which are attachedone or more one or more unshared magnets 810 a-813 c of the first cameraunit 802 a-c and one or more magnets 814 a-c, shared magnets 815 a-c and816 a-817 c of the second camera unit 818 a-c used to generate magneticfields usable in creating motion in one or more of the first camera unit802 a-c and the second camera unit 818 a-c. In some embodiments, thecamera system of dual camera unit 800 a-c includes coils 832 b-834 b ofthe first camera unit 802 b and one or more coils 836 b-838 b of thesecond camera unit used to generate force usable in creating motion inone or more of the first camera unit 802 a-c and the second camera unit818 a-c. Suspension wires 850 a-864 b are also shown. Coil bases 880a-882 c, actuator bases 890 b-892 c, and SP coil race tracks 870 b-878c. FIG. 8D is a legend illustrating the components of FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 9A-C depict an example embodiment of camera module componentsincluding shielded magnets usable for a multiple camera system forportable zoom, according to at least some embodiments. Some embodimentsuse high permeability metal to shield the magnetic field restricting itto stay within the magnet holder, thereby limiting undesirableinteraction forces or disturbances from nearby magnetic materials orstray fields from other electro magnetic devices. An example using highpermeability 1010 steel is shown in FIGS. 9A-C. In some embodiments,shielding material is coated or glued or insert molded into a plasticmagnet holder. In some embodiments, shielding material is used to makethe entire magnet holder (e.g., in metal injection molding).

Each of camera units 902 a-904 a includes one of optics carriers 906 a,906 b and 908 a containing an optics package and actuator components formoving the optical packages in optics carriers 906 a-b and 908 aconfigured for focal length or an adjustable range of focal lengths.

In some embodiments, the camera systems of camera units 902 a-904 ainclude one or more magnets 910 a-916 a and 910 b of the camera units902 a-904 a with metallic shields 920 a-926 a and 920 b of thickness t928 b set in magnet holders 930 a-936 a and 930 b to generate magneticfields usable in creating motion in one or more of the camera unit 902a-904 a. In some embodiments, camera units 902 a-904 a operateindependently.

In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 902 a-904 aincludes coils 940 a-946 a and 940 b set in a coil base and coil holderof the camera unit 902 a-904 a used to generate force usable in creatingmotion in the camera unit 902 a-904 a for movement relative to bases 952a-954 a. FIG. 9C is a legend for use with FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIGS. 10A-G depict example embodiments of camera module componentsincluding arrays of magnets omitting a center magnet between modules andusable for a multiple camera system for portable zoom, according to atleast some embodiments. Some embodiments use a magnet arrangement thatenables side by side (dual) Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) cameramodules in portable devices, with minimal magnetic interaction betweenadjacent modules.

While other magnet arrangements described herein have four totalmagnets: one in each corner of the module or one along each side of themodule, the embodiments described below and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-Ginclude a single side magnet on one side and four total magnets on theadjacent sides, each pair with opposite polarity, which totals fivemagnets per module. The remaining single side (e.g., center between thetwo actuators) does not have a permanent magnet. In some embodiments,opposing polarity magnets function to contain the fringing flux field,which might otherwise be a primary source of interaction forces betweenadjacent camera modules. Such embodiments reduce the interaction forces.

In some embodiments, each of FIGS. 10A-10G includes a view of a set ofmagnets (or a set of magnets and coils) usable for a dual camera unit,which unit is one embodiment of a first camera unit and a second cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a first orsecond visual field. In some embodiments, magnets 1002 a-g are lateralmagnets of a first camera unit. In some embodiments, magnets 1004 a-gare lateral magnets of a second camera unit. In some embodiments, thecamera systems 1000 a-g each include a first pair of first actuatortransverse magnets 1006 a-g and 1008 a-g situated opposite one anotherwith respect to an axis between lateral magnets 1002 a-g and lateralmagnets 1004 a-g. In some embodiments, the camera systems 1000 a-gfurther each comprise a second pair of first actuator transverse magnets1010 a-g and 1012 a-g situated opposite one another with respect to anaxis between lateral magnets 1002 a-g and lateral magnets 1004 a-g.

In some embodiments, the camera systems 1000 a-g each further include afirst pair of second actuator transverse magnets 1026 a-g and 1028 a-gsituated opposite one another with respect to an axis between lateralmagnets 1002 a-g and lateral magnets 1004 a-g. In some embodiments, thecamera systems 1000 a-g each further include a second pair of secondactuator transverse magnets 1030 a-g and 1032 a-g situated opposite oneanother with respect to an axis between lateral magnets 1002 a-g andlateral magnets 1004 a-g. In some embodiments, magnets 1030 a-g, 1026a-g, 1008 a-g, and 1010 a-g are oriented with a first polarityantiparallel to a second polarity with which magnets 1028 a-g, 1026 a-g,1006 a-g and 1012 a-g are oriented.

In some embodiments, magnets 1006 a-g and 1010 a-g are arrayed in a pairwith polarities opposite one another, and magnets 1032 a-g and 1026 a-gare arrayed in a pair with polarities opposite one another. In someembodiments, magnets 1006 a-g and 1010 a-g are arrayed in a pair withpolarities opposite one another, and magnets 1032 a-g and 1026 a-g arearrayed in a pair with polarities opposite one another. In someembodiments, OIS coils 1040 a-g interact with magnetic fields generatedby respective ones of magnets 1002 a-g-1032 a-g. Some embodiments oforientations 1052 b-c-1058 b-c are provided in FIGS. 10B-C. In someembodiments, autofocus coils 1082 e-1088 g interact with magnetic fieldsgenerated by respective ones of magnets 1002 a-g-1032 a-g. Note thatmagnetic field orientations within any of FIGS. 10A-G may differ frommagnetic field orientations of any other of FIGS. 10A-G, such that theuse of “first orientation” or “second orientation” is arbitrary asbetween diagrams and represents many possible embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope or intent of the disclosure contained herein.

FIGS. 11A-B depict example embodiments of camera module componentsincluding arrays of magnets omitting a center magnet between modules andusable for a multiple camera system for portable zoom, according to atleast some embodiments.

In some embodiments, each of FIGS. 11A-11B includes a view of a set ofmagnets usable for a dual camera unit, which unit is one embodiment of afirst camera unit and a second camera unit of a multifunction device forcapturing a first image of a first or second visual field. In someembodiments, magnets 1102 a-b are lateral magnets of a first cameraunit. In some embodiments, magnets 1104 a-b are lateral magnets of asecond camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera systems 1100 a-beach include a first pair of first actuator transverse magnets 1106 a-band 1108 a-b situated opposite one another with respect to an axisbetween lateral magnets 1102 a-b and lateral magnets 1104 a-b. In someembodiments, the camera systems 1100 a-b further each comprise a secondpair of first actuator transverse magnets 1110 a and 1113 a situatedopposite one another with respect to an axis between lateral magnets1102 a-b and lateral magnets 1104 a-b.

In some embodiments, the camera systems 1100 a-b each further include afirst pair of second actuator transverse magnets 1126 a and 1128 asituated opposite one another with respect to an axis between lateralmagnets 1102 a-b and lateral magnets 1104 a-b. In some embodiments, thecamera systems 1100 a-b each further include a second pair of secondactuator transverse magnets 1130 a-b and 1132 a-b situated opposite oneanother with respect to an axis between lateral magnets 1102 a-b andlateral magnets 1104 a-b. In some embodiments, magnets 1130 a-b, 1126 a,1106 a-b, and 1113 a are oriented with a first polarity 1152 bantiparallel to a second polarity 1154 b with which magnets 1128 a, 1132a-b, 1110 a and 1108 a-b are oriented.

In some embodiments, magnets 1106 a-b and 1110 a are arrayed in a pairwith polarities opposite one another, and magnets 1132 a-b and 1126 aare arrayed in a pair with polarities opposite one another. In someembodiments, magnets 1106 a-b and 1110 a are arrayed in a pair withpolarities opposite one another, and magnets 1132 a-b and 1126 a arearrayed in a pair with polarities opposite one another.

FIG. 12A depicts an example embodiment of a camera system 1200 aincluding a first camera unit 1202 a and a second camera unit 1202 b,according to some embodiments.

The first camera unit 1202 a may include a first voice coil motor (VCM)actuator configured to move a first optical package (e.g., the firstoptical packages 1206 b, 1206 c illustrated in FIGS. 12B-12C). Forinstance, the first VCM actuator may be configured to move the firstoptical package along a first optical axis and/or along a first planethat is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The first optical packagemay include one or more lenses that define the first optical axis.

In various examples, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 a may include one or more magnets and/or one or more coils foractuation along the first optical axis and/or along the first plane thatis orthogonal to the first optical axis. For instance, at least one ofthe coils may be configured to receive a current that causes the coil toproduce a magnetic field that interacts with at least one magnetic fieldof the one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 a may include a symmetric magnet arrangement. For example, thefirst camera unit may be rectangular in plan, and the symmetric magnetarrangement may include multiple magnets that are individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at anon-zero angle, with respect to at least one side of the first cameraunit 1202 a. In some examples, the symmetric magnet arrangement mayinclude four magnets that are individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle,with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202 a. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the magnets may be individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of the first cameraunit 1202 a.

In some examples, the first VCM actuator may include a first magnet 1206a, a second magnet 1208 a, a third magnet 1210 a, and a fourth magnet1212 a. The magnets 1206 a-1212 a may form the symmetric magnetarrangement. The first camera unit 1202 a may be rectangular in plan,and the magnets 1206 a-1212 a may be individually arranged to exhibitmirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202a. For instance, in some embodiments, the magnets 1206 a-1212 a may beindividually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 a. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, themagnets 1206 a-1212 a may be corner magnets. That is, the magnets 1206a-1212 a may be individually disposed proximate a respective corner ofthe first camera unit 1202 a.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 a may include a symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement for actuation along the first plane that is orthogonal tothe first optical axis. For example, the first camera unit 1202 a may berectangular in plan, and the symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement may include multiple optical image stabilization coils thatare individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 a. In some examples, the symmetricoptical image stabilization coil arrangement may include four opticalimage stabilization coils that are individually arranged to exhibitmirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202a. For instance, in some embodiments, the coils may be individuallyarranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that isangled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of thefirst camera unit 1202 a.

In some examples, the first VCM actuator may include a first opticalimage stabilization coil 1214 a, a second optical image stabilizationcoil 1216 a, a third optical image stabilization coil 1218 a, and afourth optical image stabilization coil 1220 a. The optical imagestabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may form the symmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement. The first camera unit 1202 a may berectangular in plan, and the optical image stabilization coils 1214a-1220 a may be individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about arespective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to atleast one side of the first camera unit 1202 a. For instance, in someembodiments, the optical image stabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may beindividually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 a. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, theoptical image stabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may be corner opticalimage stabilization coils. That is, the optical image stabilizationcoils 1214 a-1220 a may be individually disposed proximate a respectivecorner of the first camera unit 1202 a.

In some embodiments, at least one magnet of the symmetric magnetarrangement may be configured to magnetically interact with acorresponding optical image stabilization coil of the symmetric opticalimage stabilization coil arrangement. According to some examples, thefirst camera unit may be rectangular in plan, and a combined arrangementof the magnet and the corresponding optical image stabilization coil mayexhibit mirror symmetry about a plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202a. For instance, in some embodiments, the combined arrangement of themagnet and the corresponding optical image stabilization coil mayexhibit mirror symmetry about a plane that is angled at or about 45degrees with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202a.

As a non-limiting example, the first magnet 1206 a may be configured tomagnetically interact with the first optical image stabilization coil1214 a. The combined arrangement of the first magnet 1206 a and thefirst optical image stabilization coil 1214 a may exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a plane that is angled at or about 45 degrees withrespect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202 a. Similarly,the combined arrangement of the second magnet 1208 a and a correspondingoptical image stabilization coil (e.g., the second optical imagestabilization coil 1216 a), the combined arrangement of the third magnet1210 a and a corresponding optical image stabilization coil (e.g., thethird optical image stabilization coil 1218 a), and/or the combinedarrangement of the fourth magnet 1212 a and a corresponding opticalimage stabilization coil (e.g., the fourth optical image stabilizationcoil 1220 a) may each exhibit mirror symmetry about a plane that isangled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of thefirst camera unit 1202 a.

In various embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 a may include at least one autofocus coil 1222 a for actuationalong the first optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coil 1222 amay be configured to radially surround the first optical package of thefirst camera unit 1202 a. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil 1222 amay be octagonal in plan. Some or all of the magnets 1206 a-1212 a ofthe first VCM actuator may be individually disposed proximate arespective side of the octagonal autofocus coil 1222 a. However, itshould be understood that in other embodiments the autofocus coil mayotherwise be polygonal, or circular, in plan.

In some embodiments, the second camera unit 1204 a may include a secondVCM actuator configured to move a second optical package (e.g., thesecond optical packages 1226 b, 1224 c illustrated in FIGS. 12B-C). Forinstance, the second VCM actuator may be configured to move the firstoptical package along a first optical axis and/or along a first planethat is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The first optical packagemay include one or more lenses that define the first optical axis.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit1204 a may include one or more magnets and/or one or more coils foractuation along the second optical axis and/or along the second planethat is orthogonal to the second optical axis. For instance, at leastone of the coils may be configured to receive a current that causes thecoil to produce a magnetic field that interacts with at least onemagnetic field of the one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit1204 a may include an asymmetric magnet arrangement. For example, thesecond camera unit 1204 a may be rectangular in plan, and the asymmetricmagnet arrangement may include a first magnet 1224 a (e.g., an actuatorlateral magnet) disposed proximate a first side of the second cameraunit 1204 a, a second magnet 1226 a (e.g., an actuator transversemagnet) disposed proximate a second side of the second camera unit 1204a, and a third magnet 1228 a (e.g., an actuator transverse magnet)disposed proximate a third side of the second camera unit 1204 a. Thethird side of the second camera unit 1204 a may be opposite the secondside of the second camera unit 1204 a. In some embodiments, no magnetsare disposed proximate a fourth side of the second camera unit 1204 a.The fourth side of the second camera unit 1204 a may be opposite thefirst side of the second camera unit 1204 a.

In some examples, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit 1204a may include an asymmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangementfor actuation along the second plane that is orthogonal to the secondoptical axis. For example, the asymmetric optical image stabilizationcoil arrangement may include a first optical image stabilization coil1230 a disposed proximate to the first magnet 1224 a of the asymmetricmagnet arrangement, a second optical image stabilization coil 1232 adisposed proximate to the second magnet 1226 a of the asymmetric magnetarrangement, and a third optical image stabilization coil 1234 adisposed proximate the third magnet 1228 a of the asymmetric magnetarrangement.

In various embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second cameraunit 1202 a may include one or more autofocus coils for actuation alongthe second optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coils of the secondVCM actuator may include a first autofocus coil 1236 a disposedproximate the second magnet 1226 a of the asymmetric magnet arrangement,and a second autofocus coil 1238 a disposed proximate the third magnet1228 a of the asymmetric magnet arrangement.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1202 a may be disposedadjacent to the second camera unit 1204 a. For example, the first cameraunit 1202 a and the second camera unit 1204 a may each be rectangular inplan, and the first camera unit 1202 a may be disposed adjacent to thesecond camera unit 1204 a along a first axis that intersects a secondaxis. For instance, the second axis may extend through the first opticalpackage of the first camera unit 1202 a and the second optical packageof the second camera unit 1204 a. The asymmetric magnet arrangement ofthe second VCM actuator may include a first magnet 1224 a disposedproximate a first side of the second camera unit 1204 a that is distalto the first axis. Furthermore, the first magnet 1224 a may have alongitudinal axis that is parallel to the first axis. In someembodiments, no magnets are disposed proximate a second side of thesecond camera unit 1204 a that is opposite the first side of the secondcamera unit 1204 a. The second side of the second camera unit 1204 a mayextend in a direction that is parallel to the first axis. In someexamples, a dummy mass (e.g., the dummy mass 1240 c illustrated in FIG.12C) may be disposed proximate the second side of the second camera unit1204 a that is opposite the first side of the second camera unit. Thedummy mass may be configured to act as a counterbalance to the firstmagnet 1224 a disposed proximate the first side of the second cameraunit 1204 a.

In some examples, the first camera unit 1202 a may be smaller in one ormore dimensions than the second camera unit 1204 a. For example, thecorner magnet and coil arrangement of the first VCM actuator may allowfor a smaller X, Y, and/or Z dimension of the first camera unit 1202 athan a corresponding X, Y, and/or Z dimension of the second camera unit1204 a. For instance, the broken line illustrated in FIG. 12A includes atapered portion 1240 a that indicates a difference in size between thefirst camera unit 1202 a and the second camera unit 1204 a.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1202 a may be configured tocapture a first image of a first visual field. The second camera unit1204 a may be configured to capture a second image of a second visualfield. In some examples, the first camera unit 1202 a and the secondcamera unit 1204 a may be configured to simultaneously capture the firstimage of the first visual field and the second image of the secondvisual field, respectively. The second visual field may be a subset ofthe first visual field. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the firstoptical package of the first camera unit 1202 a may be configured for afirst focal length, and the second optical package of the second cameraunit 1204 a may be configured for a second focal length. The secondfocal length may be a different length than the first focal length. Insome examples, the first optical package of the first camera unit 1202 amay be configured with a wide-angle lens and the second optical packageof the second camera unit 1204 a may be configured with a telephotolens.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1202 a and the second cameraunit 1204 a may include any suitable component, arrangement,architecture, and/or functionality disclosed herein. In somenon-limiting examples, the first VCM actuator and/or the first cameraunit 1202 a may be configured, and/or function, similar to one or moreof the camera modules that include a symmetric magnet arrangement (e.g.,a corner magnet arrangement) discussed above, e.g., with reference toFIG. 3. In some non-limiting examples, the second VCM actuator and/orthe second camera unit 1204 a may be configured, and/or function,similar to one or more of the camera modules that include an asymmetricmagnet arrangement discussed above, e.g., with reference to FIGS.10A-10B. Additionally or alternatively, the first camera unit 1202 aand/or the second camera unit 1204 a may include an architecture similarto one or more of the architectures discussed above, e.g., withreference to FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, the autofocus coil 1222 a of the first VCM actuatormay be attached to the first optical package of the first camera unit1202 a. A yoke component (not shown) of the first camera unit 1202 a maysupport and house the four magnets 1206 a-1212 a of the first VCMactuator. Each of the magnets 1206 a-1212 a may be poled so as togenerate a magnetic field, the useful component of which for theautofocus function is orthogonal to the first optical axis. The magneticfield for all four magnets may all either be directed towards theautofocus coil 1222 a, or away from the autofocus coil 1222 a, so thatthe Lorentz forces from all four magnets act in the same direction alongthe first optical axis, thereby causing the autofocus coil 1222 a andthe first optical package to move along the first optical axis. The yokecomponent may act as a support chassis structure for the autofocusmechanism of the first VCM actuator. The first optical package may besuspended on the yoke component by an upper spring (e.g., the upperspring 1030 illustrated in FIG. 1C) and a lower spring (e.g., the lowerspring 1032 illustrated in FIG. 1C). In this way when an electriccurrent is applied to autofocus coil 1222 a, Lorentz forces aredeveloped due to the presence of the four magnets 1206 a-1220 a, and aforce substantially parallel to the first optical axis is generated tomove the first optical package, and hence one or more lens elementswithin the first optical package, along the first optical package,relative to the yoke component so as to focus the lens. In addition tosuspending the first optical package and substantially eliminatingparasitic motions, the upper spring and lower spring may also resist theLorentz forces, and hence convert the forces to a displacement of thelens.

In some embodiments, the suspension of the yoke component may beachieved by the use of four corner wires (e.g., the suspension wires1020 illustrated in FIG. 1C), for instance, wires with a circularcross-section. Each wire may act as a flexure beam capable of bendingwith relatively low stiffness, thus allowing motion in both opticalimage stabilization degrees-of-freedom. In some embodiments, the wiresmay be relatively stiff in directions parallel to the optical axis, asthis would require the wire to stretch or buckle, thus substantiallypreventing parasitic motions in these directions. Furthermore, thepresence of four such wires, appropriately separated allows them to bestiff in the parasitic tilt directions of pitch and yaw, thussubstantially preventing relative dynamic tilt between the lens andimage sensor.

Embodiments may achieve two independent degree-of-freedom motion,orthogonal to the first optical axis, by using the optical imagestabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a. In some cases, a first pair of theoptical image stabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may act together todeliver controlled motion in one linear axis orthogonal to the firstoptical axis, and a second pair may deliver controlled motion in adirection substantially orthogonal to the first pair. The optical imagestabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may be fixed to a base component(e.g., the base 1008 illustrated in FIG. 1C) of the first camera unit1202 a, and when current is appropriately applied, the optical imagestabilization coils 1214 a-1220 a may interact with the magnets 1206a-1212 a to generate Lorentz forces that move the first optical packageas desired along one or more directions orthogonal to the first opticalaxis.

In various embodiments, the first camera unit 1202 a may include animage sensor (e.g., the image sensor 1070 illustrated in FIG. 1C). Theimage sensor may be disposed below the first optical package such thatlight rays may pass through one or more lens elements of the firstoptical package (e.g., via an aperture at the top of the first opticalpackage) and to the image sensor.

In some embodiments, the autofocus coils 1236 a-1238 a of the second VCMactuator may be attached to opposing sides, or opposing portions, of thesecond optical package of the second camera unit 1204 a. A yokecomponent (not shown) of the first camera unit 1202 a may support andhouse the magnets 1224 a-1228 a of the second VCM actuator. In someexamples, the second magnet 1226 a and the third magnet 1228 a may eachbe dual pole magnets that interact with the autofocus coils 1236 a-1238a. Each of the dual pole magnets may include opposing polarities, asdiscussed above with reference to FIGS. 10A-11B and as discussed belowwith reference to FIG. 12C. The second magnet 1226 a may be a dual polemagnet that interacts with the first autofocus coil 1236 a, and thethird magnet 1228 a may be a dual pole magnet that interacts with thesecond autofocus coil 1238 a. The interaction between the dual polemagnets 1226 a-1228 a and the autofocus coils 1236 a-1238 a may generateforces that move the optical package along the second optical axis foroptical focusing.

The second VCM actuator may include four suspension wires (e.g., thewires 1020 a illustrated in FIG. 1C). The second optical package may besuspended with respect to a base structure (e.g., the base 1008illustrated in FIG. 1C) by suspending one or more upper springs (e.g.,the upper springs 1030 illustrated in FIG. 1C) on the suspension wires.In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator may include one or morelower springs (e.g., the lower springs 1032 illustrated in FIG. 1C). Theupper spring(s) and the lower spring(s) may be flexible to allow thesecond optical package a range of motion along the second optical axisfor optical focusing, and the suspension wires may be flexible to allowa range of motion on one or more directions orthogonal to the opticalaxis for optical image stabilization.

Embodiments may achieve two independent degree-of-freedom motion,orthogonal to the second optical axis, by using the optical imagestabilization coils 1230 a-1234 a. The optical image stabilization coils1230 a-1234 a may be fixed to a base component (e.g., the base 1008illustrated in FIG. 1C) of the second camera unit 1204 a, and whencurrent is appropriately applied, the optical image stabilization coils1214 a-1220 a may interact with the magnets 1206 a-1212 a to generateLorentz forces that move the first optical package as desired along oneor more directions orthogonal to the first optical axis. In some cases,a first pair of optical image stabilization coils 1232 a-1234 a mayinteract with the pair of dual pole magnets 1226 a-1228 a to delivercontrolled motion in a first direction orthogonal to the second opticalaxis. The first optical image stabilization coil 1230 a may interactwith the first magnet 1224 a, which may be a single pole magnet, todeliver controlled motion in a second direction orthogonal to the secondoptical axis and the first direction.

In various embodiments, the second camera unit 1204 a may include animage sensor (e.g., the image sensor 1070 illustrated in FIG. 1C). Theimage sensor may be disposed below the second optical package such thatlight rays may pass through one or more lens elements of the secondoptical package (e.g., via an aperture at the top of the second opticalpackage) and to the image sensor.

FIG. 12B depicts an example embodiment of a camera system 1200 bincluding a first camera unit 1202 b and a second camera unit 1204 b,according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12B illustratesexample coil arrangements of the first camera unit 1202 b and the secondcamera unit 1204 b. The first camera unit 1202 b and the second cameraunit 1204 b may include magnets (e.g., the example magnet arrangementsillustrated in FIG. 12C) configured to magnetically interact with coilsof the example coil arrangements.

The first camera unit 1202 b may include a first VCM actuator configuredto move a first optical package 1206 b. For instance, the first VCMactuator may be configured to move the first optical package 1206 balong a first optical axis and/or along a first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis. The first optical package 1206 b may includeone or more lenses that define the first optical axis.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 b may include a symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement for actuation along the first plane that is orthogonal tothe first optical axis. For example, the first camera unit 1202 b may berectangular in plan, and the symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement may include multiple optical image stabilization coils thatare individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 b. In some examples, the symmetricoptical image stabilization coil arrangement may include four opticalimage stabilization coils that are individually arranged to exhibitmirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202b. For instance, in some embodiments, the coils may be individuallyarranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that isangled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of thefirst camera unit 1202 b.

In some examples, the first VCM actuator may include a first opticalimage stabilization coil 1208 b, a second optical image stabilizationcoil 1210 b, a third optical image stabilization coil 1212 b, and afourth optical image stabilization coil 1214 b. The optical imagestabilization coils 1208 b-1214 b may form the symmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement. The first camera unit 1202 a may berectangular in plan, and the optical image stabilization coils 1214a-1220 a may be individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about arespective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle, with respect to atleast one side of the first camera unit 1202 b. For instance, in someembodiments, the optical image stabilization coils 1208 b-1214 b may beindividually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the optical image stabilization coils 1208b-1214 b may be corner optical image stabilization coils. That is, theoptical image stabilization coils 1208 b-1214 b may be individuallydisposed proximate a respective corner of the first camera unit 1202 b.For example, the first optical image stabilization coil 1208 b may bedisposed proximate a first corner 1216 b of the first camera unit 1202b, the second optical image stabilization coil 1210 b may be disposedproximate a second corner 1218 b of the first camera unit 1202 b, thethird optical image stabilization coil 1212 b may be disposed proximatea third corner 1220 b of the first camera unit 1202 b, and/or the fourthoptical image stabilization coil 1214 b may be disposed proximate afourth corner 1222 b of the first camera unit 1202 b.

In various embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 b may include at least one autofocus coil 1224 b for actuationalong the first optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coil 1224 bmay be configured to radially surround the first optical package 1206 bof the first camera unit 1202 b. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil1224 b may be octagonal in plan. However, it should be understood thatin other embodiments the autofocus coil 1224 b may otherwise bepolygonal, or circular, in plan.

The second camera unit 1204 b may include a second VCM actuatorconfigured to move a second optical package 1226 b. For instance, thesecond VCM actuator may be configured to move the second optical package1226 b along a second optical axis and/or along a second plane that isorthogonal to the second optical axis. The second optical package 1226 bmay include one or more lenses that define the second optical axis.

In some examples, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit 1204b may include an asymmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangementfor actuation along the second plane that is orthogonal to the secondoptical axis. For example, the second camera unit 1204 b may berectangular in plan, and the asymmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement may include a first optical image stabilization coil 1228 b,a second optical image stabilization coil 1230 b, and a third opticalimage stabilization coil 1232 b. The first optical image stabilizationcoil 1228 b may be disposed proximate a first side 1234 b of the secondcamera unit 1204 b. In some examples, the first optical imagestabilization coil 1228 b may be a racetrack coil with a longitudinalaxis that is substantially parallel to the first side 1234 b of thesecond camera unit 1204 b. The second optical image stabilization coil1230 b may be disposed proximate a second side 1236 b of the secondcamera unit 1204 b. In some examples, the second optical imagestabilization coil 1230 b may be a racetrack coil with a longitudinalaxis that is substantially parallel to the second side 1236 b of thesecond camera unit 1204 b. The third optical image stabilization coil1232 b may be disposed proximate a third side 1238 b of the secondcamera unit 1204 b. The third side 1238 b of the second camera unit 1204b may be opposite the second side 1236 b of the second camera unit 1204b. In some examples, the third optical image stabilization coil 1232 bmay be a racetrack coil with a longitudinal axis that is substantiallyparallel to the third side 1238 b of the second camera unit 1204 b.

In some embodiments, no coils are disposed proximate a fourth side 1240b of the second camera unit 1204 b. The fourth side 1240 b of the secondcamera unit 1204 b may be opposite the first side 1234 b of the secondcamera unit 1204 b.

In various embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second cameraunit 1204 b may include one or more autofocus coils for actuation alongthe second optical axis. For instance, the autofocus coils of the secondVCM actuator may include a first autofocus coil 1242 b and a secondautofocus coil 1244 b. The first autofocus coil 1242 b may be disposedproximate the second optical image stabilization coil 1230 b.Additionally or alternatively, the first autofocus coil 1242 b may besituated to a first side of the second optical package 1226 b. In someexamples, the first autofocus coil 1242 b may be racetrack coil with alongitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the second side 1236b of the second camera unit 1204 b. In some embodiments, the firstautofocus coil 1242 b may have a lateral axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to a lateral axis of the second optical imagestabilization coil 1230 b. Likewise, the second autofocus coil 1244 bmay have a lateral axis that is substantially perpendicular to a lateralaxis of the third optical image stabilization coil 1232 b. Furthermore,the first autofocus coil 1242 b may have a longitudinal axis that issubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second opticalimage stabilization coil 1230 b. Similarly, the second autofocus coil1244 b may have a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the third optical image stabilization coil 1232 b.

FIG. 12C depicts an example embodiment of a camera system 1200 cincluding a first camera unit 1202 c and a second camera unit 1204 c,according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12C illustratesexample magnet arrangements of the first camera unit 1202 c and thesecond camera unit 1204 c. The first camera unit 1202 c and the secondcamera unit 1204 c may include coils (e.g., the example coilarrangements illustrated in FIG. 12B) configured to magneticallyinteract with magnets of the example magnet arrangements.

The first camera unit 1202 c may include a first VCM actuator configuredto move a first optical package 1206 c. For instance, the first VCMactuator may be configured to move the first optical package 1206 calong a first optical axis and/or along a first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis. The first optical package 1206 c may includeone or more lenses that define the first optical axis.

In some embodiments, the first VCM actuator of the first camera unit1202 c may include a symmetric magnet arrangement. For example, thefirst camera unit may be rectangular in plan, and the symmetric magnetarrangement may include multiple magnets that are individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at anon-zero angle, with respect to at least one side of the first cameraunit 1202 c. In some examples, the symmetric magnet arrangement mayinclude four magnets that are individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zero angle,with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202 c. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the magnets may be individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees with respect to at least one side of the first cameraunit 1202 c.

In some examples, the first VCM actuator may include a first magnet 1208c, a second magnet 1210 c, a third magnet 1212 c, and a fourth magnet1214 c. The magnets 1208 c-1214 c may form the symmetric magnetarrangement. The first camera unit 1202 c may be rectangular in plan,and the magnets 1208 c-1214 c may be individually arranged to exhibitmirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled, at a non-zeroangle, with respect to at least one side of the first camera unit 1202c. For instance, in some embodiments, the magnets 1208 c-1214 c may beindividually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about a respectiveplane that is angled at or about 45 degrees with respect to at least oneside of the first camera unit 1202 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 12C, the magnets 1208 c-1214 c may be cornermagnets. That is, the magnets 1208 c-1214 c may be individually disposedproximate a respective corner of the first camera unit 1202 c. Forexample, the first magnet 1208 c may be disposed proximate a firstcorner 1216 c of the first camera unit 1202 c, the second magnet 1210 cmay be disposed proximate a second corner 1218 c of the first cameraunit 1202 c, the third magnet 1212 c may be disposed proximate a thirdcorner 1220 c of the first camera unit 1202 c, and/or the fourth magnet1214 c may be disposed proximate a fourth corner 1222 c of the firstcamera unit 1202 c.

In some embodiments, the first magnet 1208 c, the second magnet 1210 c,the third magnet 1212 c, and/or the fourth magnet 1214 c may each be asingle pole magnet. In other embodiments, the first magnet 1208 c, thesecond magnet 1210 c, the third magnet 1212 c, and/or the fourth magnet1214 c may each be a dual pole magnet. The arrows depicted in FIG. 12Cindicate example polarity directions of the magnets.

The second camera unit 1204 c may include a second VCM actuatorconfigured to move a second optical package 1224 c. For instance, thesecond VCM actuator may be configured to move the second optical package1224 c along a second optical axis and/or along a second plane that isorthogonal to the second optical axis. The second optical package 1224 cmay include one or more lenses that define the second optical axis.

In some embodiments, the second VCM actuator of the second camera unit1204 c may include an asymmetric magnet arrangement. For example, thesecond camera unit 1204 c may be rectangular in plan, and the asymmetricmagnet arrangement may include a first magnet 1226 c (e.g., an actuatorlateral magnet) disposed proximate a first side 1228 c of the secondcamera unit 1204 c, a second magnet 1230 c (e.g., an actuator transversemagnet) disposed proximate a second side 1232 c of the second cameraunit 1204 a, and a third magnet 1234 c (e.g., an actuator transversemagnet) disposed proximate a third side 1236 c of the second camera unit1204 c. The third side 1236 c of the second camera unit 1204 c may beopposite the second side 1232 c of the second camera unit 1204 c.

In some embodiments, no magnets are disposed proximate a fourth side1238 c of the second camera unit 1204 c. The fourth side 1238 c of thesecond camera unit 1204 c may be opposite the first side 1228 c of thesecond camera unit 1204 c. In various examples, a dummy mass 1240 c maybe disposed proximate the fourth side 1238 c of the second camera unit1204 c. The dummy mass 1240 c may be configured to act as acounterbalance to the first magnet 1226 c disposed proximate the firstside 1228 c of the second camera unit 1204 c.

In some embodiments, the first magnet 1226 c may be a single polemagnet. Furthermore, the second magnet 1230 c and the third magnet 1234c may each be a dual pole magnet. The arrows depicted in FIG. 12Cindicate example polarity directions of the magnets. It should beunderstood, however, that the magnets may have polarity directions thatare different than those illustrated in FIG. 12C. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, the first magnet 1226 c may be a dual pole magnet, thesecond magnet 1230 c may be a single pole magnet, and/or the thirdmagnet 1234 c may be a single pole magnet.

In some embodiments, the first camera unit 1202 c may be disposedadjacent to the second camera unit 1204 c. For example, the first cameraunit 1202 c and the second camera unit 1204 c may each be rectangular inplan, and the first camera unit 1202 c may be disposed adjacent to thesecond camera unit 1204 c along a first axis 1242 c that intersects asecond axis 1244 c. For instance, the second axis 1244 c may extendthrough the first optical package 1206 c of the first camera unit 1202 cand the second optical package 1224 c of the second camera unit 1204 c.In some instances, the second axis 1244 c may be substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis 1242 c. The first side 1228 c of thesecond camera unit 1228 c may be distal to the first axis 1242 c.Furthermore, the first magnet 1226 c may have a longitudinal axis thatis substantially parallel to the first axis 1242 c. The fourth side 1238c may be proximal to the first axis 1242 c. Furthermore, dummy mass 1240c may have a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to thefirst axis 1242 c.

In some non-limiting examples, the first camera unit 1202 c and thesecond camera unit 1204 c may be configured such that magneticinteraction between the first camera unit 1202 c and the second cameraunit 1204 c is mitigated. The first VCM actuator of the first cameraunit 1202 c may include one or more magnets that are disposed proximatethe second VCM actuator of the second camera unit 1204 c. For instance,in some embodiments, the second magnet 1210 c and the third magnet 1212c of the second VCM actuator of the first camera unit 1202 c may bedisposed proximate the second camera unit 1204 c, and thus may beconsidered as a first set of near magnets relative to the second cameraunit 1204 c. Similarly, the second VCM actuator of the second cameraunit 1204 c may include one or more magnets that are disposed proximatethe first VCM actuator of the first camera unit 1202 c. For instance,the second magnet 1230 c and the third magnet 1234 c of the second VCMactuator of the second camera unit 1204 c may be disposed proximate thefirst camera unit 1202 c, and thus may be considered as a second set ofnear magnets relative to the first camera unit 1202 c.

In various embodiments, each magnet of the first set of near magnets ofthe first camera unit 1202 c may be a single pole magnet, and eachmagnet of the second set of near magnets of the second camera unit 1204c may be a dual pole magnet. In some cases, such a configuration maymitigate magnetic interaction between the first camera unit 1202 c andthe second camera unit 1204 c. That is, by configuring the first cameraunit 1202 c and the second camera unit 1204 c such that single polemagnets of the first camera unit 1202 c and dual pole magnets of thesecond camera unit 1204 c are nearest each other, the magneticinteraction between the camera units 1202 c and 1204 c may be mitigatedrelative to some other configurations (e.g, the example magnetarrangement 1300 a illustrated in FIG. 13A). The mitigated magneticinteraction may be due to the particular shapes and extensions of themagnetic fields of the single pole magnets and the dual pole magnets, asdiscussed in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIG. 13A depicts an example magnet arrangement that includes a firstsingle pole magnet adjacent to a second single pole magnet. FIG. 13Bdepicts an example magnet arrangement that includes a single pole magnetadjacent to a dual pole magnet. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate adifference in amount of magnetic interaction between the singlepole-single pole magnet arrangement of FIG. 13A and the single pole-dualpole magnet arrangement of FIG. 13B. In some examples, the singlepole-dual pole magnet arrangement of FIG. 13B is illustrative ofmitigated magnetic interaction between the first camera unit 1202 c andthe second camera unit 1204 c described above with reference to FIG.12C.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the example magnet arrangement 1300 aincludes a first single pole magnet 1302 a and a second single polemagnet 1304 a. The first single pole magnet 1302 a is adjacent to thesecond single pole magnet 1304 a. The first single pole magnet 1302 amay have a first magnetic field 1306 a. The second single pole magnet1304 a may have a second magnetic field 1308 a. The first magnetic field1306 a may extend away from the first single pole magnet 1302 a, and thesecond magnetic field 1308 a may extend away from the second single polemagnet 1304 a. For example, the first magnetic field 1306 a of the firstsingle pole magnet 1306 a may extend toward the second single polemagnet 1304 a and the second magnetic field 1308 a may extend toward thefirst single pole magnet 1302 a such that the first magnetic field 1306a and the second magnetic field 1308 a interact, as indicated by theoverlapping magnetic field lines within the dashed line rectangle 1310a.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the example magnet arrangement 1300 bincludes a single pole magnet 1302 b and a dual pole magnet 1304 b. Thesingle pole magnet 1302 b is adjacent to the dual pole magnet 1304 b.The single pole magnet 1302 b may have a first magnetic field 1306 b.The dual pole magnet 1304 b may have a second magnetic field 1308 b. Dueto the respective polarity configurations of the single pole magnet 1302b and the dual pole magnet 1304 b, the first magnetic field 1306 b mayextend away from the single pole magnet 1302 b to a greater extent thanthe second magnetic field 1308 b extends away from dual pole magnet 1304b. The tightness of the extension of the second magnetic field 1308 bwith respect to the dual pole magnet 1304 b may mitigate interactionbetween the second magnetic field 1308 b of the dual pole magnet 1304 band the first magnetic field 1306 b of the single pole magnet 1302 b,e.g., as indicated by the magnetic field lines not overlapping withinthe dashed line rectangle 1310 b. In some examples, the single pole-dualpole magnet arrangement of FIG. 13B is illustrative of mitigatedmagnetic interaction between the first camera unit 1202 c and the secondcamera unit 1204 c described above with reference to FIG. 12C.

FIG. 14A is a flow chart of an example method usable in a multiplecamera system for portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.For instance, the example method may be used in connection with one ormore of the embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-13Band 15-17. In some embodiments, a first camera unit of a multifunctiondevice, having a first optical package with a first focal length,captures a first image of a first visual field (block 1400). A secondcamera unit of the multifunction device, having a second optical packagewith a second focal length different from the first focal lengthsimultaneously captures a second image of a second visual field that isa subset of the first visual field (block 1402). The first image and thesecond image are preserved to a storage medium as separate datastructures (block 1404). The first image is displayed in a screeninterface with a control for switching to display of the second image(block 1406). Responsive to an actuation of the control, the secondimage is displayed in place of the first image (block 1408).

FIG. 14B is a flow chart of an example method usable in a multiplecamera system for portable zoom, according to at least some embodiments.For instance, the example method may be used in connection with one ormore of the embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-13Band 15-17. In some embodiments, a first camera unit of a multifunctiondevice, having a first optical package with a first focal length,captures a first image of a first visual field (block 1410). A secondcamera unit of the multifunction device, having a second optical packagewith a second focal length different from the first focal lengthsimultaneously captures a second image of a second visual field that isa subset of the first visual field (block 1412). Optical imagestabilization is provided to the first camera unit (block 1414). Opticalimage stabilization is provided to the second camera unit (block 1416).

Multifunction Device Examples

Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as amobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/ormusic player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such aslaptops, cameras, cell phones, or tablet computers, may also be used. Itshould also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not aportable communications device, but is a desktop computer with a camera.In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with orientationsensors (e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming controller). In otherembodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but isa camera.

In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the electronic device may include one or moreother physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, amouse and/or a joystick.

The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one ormore of the following: a drawing application, a presentationapplication, a word processing application, a website creationapplication, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, agaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencingapplication, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, aworkout support application, a photo management application, a digitalcamera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsingapplication, a digital music player application, and/or a digital videoplayer application.

The various applications that may be executed on the device may use atleast one common physical user-interface device, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device maybe adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or withina respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture(such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support thevariety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive andtransparent to the user.

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices withcameras. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating portable multifunctiondevice 1500 with cameras 1564 a-b in accordance with some embodiments.Cameras 1564 a-b are sometimes called “optical sensors” for convenience,and may also be known as or called an optical sensor system. Device 1500may include memory 1502 (which may include one or more computer readablestorage mediums), memory controller 1522, one or more processing units(CPU's) 1520, peripherals interface 1518, RF circuitry 1508, audiocircuitry 1510, speaker 1511, touch-sensitive display system 1512,microphone 1513, input/output (I/O) subsystem 1506, other input orcontrol devices 1516, and external port 1524. Device 1500 may includeoptical sensors 1564 a-b. These components may communicate over one ormore communication buses or signal lines 1503.

It should be appreciated that device 1500 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 1500 may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in various of the figures may be implemented inhardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, includingone or more signal processing and/or application specific integratedcircuits.

Memory 1502 may include high-speed random access memory and may alsoinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memorydevices. Access to memory 1502 by other components of device 1500, suchas CPU 1520 and the peripherals interface 1518, may be controlled bymemory controller 1522.

Peripherals interface 1518 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 1520 and memory 1502. The one or moreprocessors 1520 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 1502 to perform various functions fordevice 1500 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 1518, CPU 1520, and memorycontroller 1522 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 1504.In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 1508 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 1508 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 1508 may include well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 1508 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, alsoreferred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and otherdevices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may useany of a variety of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA),wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multipleaccess (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/orIEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocolfor e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or postoffice protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messagingand presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol, including communication protocolsnot yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 1510, speaker 1511, and microphone 1513 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 1500. Audio circuitry 1510 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 1518, converts the audio data toan electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker1511. Speaker 1511 converts the electrical signal to human-audible soundwaves. Audio circuitry 1510 also receives electrical signals convertedby microphone 1513 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 1510 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 1518 for processing. Audio data may be retrievedfrom and/or transmitted to memory 1502 and/or RF circuitry 1508 byperipherals interface 1518. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 1510also includes a headset jack (e.g., 1612, FIG. 16). The headset jackprovides an interface between audio circuitry 1510 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 1506 couples input/output peripherals on device 1500, suchas touch screen 1512 and other input control devices 1516, toperipherals interface 1518. I/O subsystem 1506 may include displaycontroller 1556 and one or more input controllers 1560 for other inputor control devices. The one or more input controllers 1560 receive/sendelectrical signals from/to other input or control devices 1516. Theother input control devices 1516 may include physical buttons (e.g.,push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks,click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, inputcontroller(s) 1560 may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: akeyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse.The one or more buttons (e.g., 1608, FIG. 16) may include an up/downbutton for volume control of speaker 1511 and/or microphone 1513. Theone or more buttons may include a push button (e.g., 1606, FIG. 16).

Touch-sensitive display 1512 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 1556receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 1512.Touch screen 1512 displays visual output to the user. The visual outputmay include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof(collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all ofthe visual output may correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 1512 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set ofsensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactilecontact. Touch screen 1512 and display controller 1556 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 1502) detectcontact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen1512 and converts the detected contact into interaction withuser-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages orimages) that are displayed on touch screen 1512. In an exampleembodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 1512 and the usercorresponds to a finger of the user.

Touch screen 1512 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 1512 and display controller 1556 maydetect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of avariety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed,including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, andsurface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensorarrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contactwith touch screen 1512. In an example embodiment, projected mutualcapacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in theiPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

Touch screen 1512 may have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. Insome embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen 1512using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions calculated by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 1500 mayinclude a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separatefrom touch screen 1512 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surfaceformed by the touch screen.

Device 1500 also includes power system 1562 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 1562 may include a power management system, oneor more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 1500 may also include optical sensors or cameras 1564 a-b.Optical sensors 1564 a-b may include charge-coupled device (CCD) orcomplementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Opticalsensors 1564 a-b receive light from the environment, projected throughone or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image.In conjunction with imaging module 1543 (also called a camera module),optical sensors 1564 a-b may capture still images or video. In someembodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device 1500,opposite touch screen display 1512 on the front of the device, so thatthe touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/orvideo image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor islocated on the front of the device so that the user's image may beobtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other videoconference participants on the touch screen display. In embodiments inwhich multiple cameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b are supported, eachof the multiple cameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b may include its ownphoto sensor(s), or the multiple cameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b maybe supported by a shared photo sensor. Likewise, in embodiments in whichmultiple cameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b are supported, each of themultiple cameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b may include its own imageprocessing pipeline of processors and storage units, or the multiplecameras or optical sensors 1564 a-b may be supported by an imageprocessing pipeline of processors and storage units.

Device 1500 may also include one or more proximity sensors 1566. FIG. 15shows proximity sensor 1566 coupled to peripherals interface 1518.Alternately, proximity sensor 1566 may be coupled to input controller1560 in I/O subsystem 1506. In some embodiments, the proximity sensorturns off and disables touch screen 1512 when the multifunction deviceis placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phonecall).

Device 1500 includes one or more orientation sensors 1568. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or moreaccelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or one ormore rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or moreorientation sensors include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments,the one or more orientation sensors include one or more magnetometers.In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one ormore of global positioning system (GPS), Global Navigation SatelliteSystem (GLONASS), and/or other global navigation system receivers. TheGPS, GLONASS, and/or other global navigation system receivers may beused for obtaining information concerning the location and orientation(e.g., portrait or landscape) of device 1500. In some embodiments, theone or more orientation sensors include any combination oforientation/rotation sensors. FIG. 15 shows the one or more orientationsensors 1568 coupled to peripherals interface 1518. Alternately, the oneor more orientation sensors 1568 may be coupled to an input controller1560 in I/O subsystem 1506. In some embodiments, information isdisplayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscapeview based on an analysis of data received from the one or moreorientation sensors.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 1502include operating system 1526, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 1528, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 1530,graphics module (or set of instructions) 1532, text input module (or setof instructions) 1534, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 1535, arbiter module 1557 and applications (or sets ofinstructions) 1536. Furthermore, in some embodiments memory 1502 storesdevice/global internal state 1557. Device/global internal state 1557includes one or more of: active application state, indicating whichapplications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicatingwhat applications, views or other information occupy various regions oftouch screen display 1512; sensor state, including information obtainedfrom the device's various sensors and input control devices 1516; andlocation information concerning the device's location and/or attitude.

Operating system 1526 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS,or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes varioussoftware components and/or drivers for controlling and managing generalsystem tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 1528 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 1524 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 1508 and/orexternal port 1524. External port 1524 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus(USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devicesor indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.).In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.

Contact/motion module 1530 may detect contact with touch screen 1512 (inconjunction with display controller 1556) and other touch sensitivedevices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motionmodule 1530 includes various software components for performing variousoperations related to detection of contact, such as determining ifcontact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determiningif there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-draggingevents), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting afinger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module 1530receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determiningmovement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series ofcontact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity(magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitudeand/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may beapplied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiplesimultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). Insome embodiments, contact/motion module 1530 and display controller 1556detect contact on a touchpad.

Contact/motion module 1530 may detect a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particularcontact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includesdetecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) asthe finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As anotherexample, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surfaceincludes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or morefinger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting afinger-up (lift off) event.

Graphics module 1532 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 1512 or other display,including components for changing the intensity of graphics that aredisplayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object thatcan be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, webpages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys),digital images, videos, animations and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 1532 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code.Graphics module 1532 receives, from applications etc., one or more codesspecifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinatedata and other graphic property data, and then generates screen imagedata to output to display controller 1556.

Text input module 1534, which may be a component of graphics module1532, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications(e.g., contacts 1537, e-mail 1540, IM 1541, browser 1547, and any otherapplication that needs text input).

GPS module 1535 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 1538 foruse in location-based dialing, to camera 1543 as picture/video metadata,and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Applications 1536 may include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   contacts module 1537 (sometimes called an address book or        contact list);    -   telephone module 1538;    -   video conferencing module 1539;    -   e-mail client module 1540;    -   instant messaging (IM) module 1541;    -   workout support module 1542;    -   dual camera module 1543 for still and/or video images;    -   image management module 1544;    -   browser module 1547;    -   calendar module 1548;    -   widget modules 1549, which may include one or more of: weather        widget 1549-1, stocks widget 1549-2, calculator widget 1549-3,        alarm clock widget 1549-4, dictionary widget 1549-5, and other        widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets        1549-6;    -   widget creator module 1550 for making user-created widgets        1549-6;    -   search module 1551;    -   video and music player module 1552, which may be made up of a        video player    -   module and a music player module;    -   notes module 1553;    -   map module 1554; and/or    -   online video module 1555.

Examples of other applications 1536 that may be stored in memory 1502include other word processing applications, other image editingapplications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication.

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display controller 1556, contactmodule 1530, graphics module 1532, and text input module 1534, contactsmodule 1537 may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g.,stored in application internal state of contacts module 1537 in memory1502), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s)from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mailaddress(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name;associating an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names;providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/orfacilitate communications by telephone 1538, video conference 1539,e-mail 1540, or IM 1541; and so forth.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, audio circuitry 1510, speaker1511, microphone 1513, touch screen 1512, display controller 1556,contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, and text input module 1534,telephone module 1538 may be used to enter a sequence of characterscorresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephonenumbers in address book 1537, modify a telephone number that has beenentered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation anddisconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As notedabove, the wireless communication may use any of a variety ofcommunications standards, protocols and technologies.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, audio circuitry 1510, speaker1511, microphone 1513, touch screen 1512, display controller 1556,optical sensors 1564 a-b, optical sensor controller 1558, contact module1530, graphics module 1532, text input module 1534, contact list 1537,and telephone module 1538, videoconferencing module 1539 includesexecutable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a videoconference between a user and one or more other participants inaccordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, displaycontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, and textinput module 1534, e-mail client module 1540 includes executableinstructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response touser instructions. In conjunction with image management module 1544,e-mail client module 1540 makes it very easy to create and send e-mailswith still or video images taken with dual camera module 1543.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, displaycontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, and textinput module 1534, the instant messaging module 1541 includes executableinstructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to aninstant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit arespective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service(SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-basedinstant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-basedinstant messages), to receive instant messages and to view receivedinstant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or receivedinstant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video filesand/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an EnhancedMessaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers toboth telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) andInternet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, orIMPS).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, displaycontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, text inputmodule 1534, GPS module 1535, map module 1554, and music player module1546, workout support module 1542 includes executable instructions tocreate workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burninggoals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receiveworkout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; selectand play music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workoutdata.

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display controller 1556, opticalsensor(s) 1564, optical sensor controller 1558, contact module 1530,graphics module 1532, and image management module 1544, dual cameramodule 1543 includes executable instructions to capture still images orvideo (including a video stream) and store them into memory 1502, modifycharacteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image orvideo from memory 1502.

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display controller 1556, contactmodule 1530, graphics module 1532, text input module 1534, and dualcamera module 1543, image management module 1544 includes executableinstructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate,label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), andstore still and/or video images.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, display systemcontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, and textinput module 1534, browser module 1547 includes executable instructionsto browse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, includingsearching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portionsthereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, display systemcontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, text inputmodule 1534, e-mail client module 1540, and browser module 1547,calendar module 1548 includes executable instructions to create,display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars(e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, display systemcontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, text inputmodule 1534, and browser module 1547, widget modules 1549 aremini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g.,weather widget 1549-1, stocks widget 1549-2, calculator widget 15493,alarm clock widget 1549-4, and dictionary widget 1549-5) or created bythe user (e.g., user-created widget 1549-6). In some embodiments, awidget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS(Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In someembodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) fileand a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, display systemcontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, text inputmodule 1534, and browser module 1547, the widget creator module 1550 maybe used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specifiedportion of a web page into a widget).

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display system controller 1556,contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, and text input module 1534,search module 1551 includes executable instructions to search for text,music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory 1502 that matchone or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified searchterms) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display system controller 1556,contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, audio circuitry 1510, speaker1511, RF circuitry 1508, and browser module 1547, video and music playermodule 1552 includes executable instructions that allow the user todownload and play back recorded music and other sound files stored inone or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executableinstructions to display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., ontouch screen 1512 or on an external, connected display via external port1524). In some embodiments, device 1500 may include the functionality ofan MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.).

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display controller 1556, contactmodule 1530, graphics module 1532, and text input module 1534, notesmodule 1553 includes executable instructions to create and manage notes,to do lists, and the like in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 1508, touch screen 1512, display systemcontroller 1556, contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, text inputmodule 1534, GPS module 1535, and browser module 1547, map module 1554may be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and dataassociated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and otherpoints of interest at or near a particular location; and otherlocation-based data) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 1512, display system controller 1556,contact module 1530, graphics module 1532, audio circuitry 1510, speaker1511, RF circuitry 1508, text input module 1534, e-mail client module1540, and browser module 1547, online video module 1555 includesinstructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., bystreaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or onan external, connected display via external port 1524), send an e-mailwith a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage onlinevideos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments,instant messaging module 1541, rather than e-mail client module 1540, isused to send a link to a particular online video.

Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwisere-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 1502 maystore a subset of the modules and data structures identified above.Furthermore, memory 1502 may store additional modules and datastructures not described above.

In some embodiments, device 1500 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device1500, the number of physical input control devices (such as pushbuttons, dials, and the like) on device 1500 may be reduced.

The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between userinterfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user,navigates device 1500 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that may be displayed on device 1500. In such embodiments, thetouchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some otherembodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or otherphysical input control device instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 16 illustrates a portable multifunction device 1500 having a touchscreen 1512 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen maydisplay one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 1600. In thisembodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one ormore of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example,with one or more fingers 1602 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or oneor more styluses 1603 (not drawn to scale in the figure).

Device 1500 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as“home” or menu button 1604. As described previously, menu button 1604may be used to navigate to any application 1536 in a set of applicationsthat may be executed on device 1500. Alternatively, in some embodiments,the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touchscreen 1512.

In one embodiment, device 1500 includes touch screen 1512, menu button1604, push button 1606 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 1608, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 1610, head set jack 1612, and docking/charging externalport 1524. Push button 1606 may be used to turn the power on/off on thedevice by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressedstate for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressingthe button and releasing the button before the predefined time intervalhas elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process.In an alternative embodiment, device 1500 also may accept verbal inputfor activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone1513.

It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are givenwith reference to optical sensors/cameras 1564 a-b (on the front of adevice), a rear-facing camera or optical sensor that is pointed oppositefrom the display may be used instead of or in addition to an opticalsensors/cameras 1564 a-b on the front of a device.

Example Computer System

FIG. 17 illustrates an example computer system 1700 that may beconfigured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. Indifferent embodiments, computer system 1700 may be any of various typesof devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system,desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbookcomputer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation,network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a consumerdevice, video game console, handheld video game device, applicationserver, storage device, a television, a video recording device, aperipheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general anytype of computing or electronic device.

Various embodiments of a dual-prime camera system as described herein,including embodiments of single frame camera active optical tiltalignment correction, as described herein may be executed in one or morecomputer systems 1700, which may interact with various other devices.Note that any component, action, or functionality described above withrespect to FIGS. 1-16 may be implemented on one or more computersconfigured as computer system 1700 of FIG. 17, according to variousembodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 1700includes one or more processors 1710 coupled to a system memory 1720 viaan input/output (I/O) interface 1730. Computer system 1700 furtherincludes a network interface 1740 coupled to I/O interface 1730, and oneor more input/output devices 1750, such as cursor control device 1760,keyboard 1770, and display(s) 1780. In some cases, it is contemplatedthat embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computersystem 1700, while in other embodiments multiple such systems, ormultiple nodes making up computer system 1700, may be configured to hostdifferent portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in oneembodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes ofcomputer system 1700 that are distinct from those nodes implementingother elements.

In various embodiments, computer system 1700 may be a uniprocessorsystem including one processor 1710, or a multiprocessor systemincluding several processors 1710 (e.g., two, four, eight, or anothersuitable number). Processors 1710 may be any suitable processor capableof executing instructions. For example, in various embodimentsprocessors 1710 may be general-purpose or embedded processorsimplementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs),such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitableISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors 1710 may commonly,but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory 1720 may be configured to store camera control programinstructions 1722 and/or camera control data accessible by processor1710. In various embodiments, system memory 1720 may be implementedusing any suitable memory technology, such as static random accessmemory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-typememory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment,program instructions 1722 may be configured to implement a lens controlapplication 1724 incorporating any of the functionality described above.Additionally, existing camera control data 1732 of memory 1720 mayinclude any of the information or data structures described above. Insome embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sentor stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or onsimilar media separate from system memory 1720 or computer system 1700.While computer system 1700 is described as implementing thefunctionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of thefunctionality described herein may be implemented via such a computersystem.

In one embodiment, I/O interface 1730 may be configured to coordinateI/O traffic between processor 1710, system memory 1720, and anyperipheral devices in the device, including network interface 1740 orother peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices 1750. In someembodiments, I/O interface 1730 may perform any necessary protocol,timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from onecomponent (e.g., system memory 1720) into a format suitable for use byanother component (e.g., processor 1710). In some embodiments, I/Ointerface 1730 may include support for devices attached through varioustypes of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB)standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/Ointerface 1730 may be split into two or more separate components, suchas a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in someembodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface 1730, suchas an interface to system memory 1720, may be incorporated directly intoprocessor 1710.

Network interface 1740 may be configured to allow data to be exchangedbetween computer system 1700 and other devices attached to a network1785 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computersystem 1700. Network 1785 may in various embodiments include one or morenetworks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g.,an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., theInternet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network,or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface1740 may support communication via wired or wireless general datanetworks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example;via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networksor digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks suchas Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/orprotocol.

Input/output devices 1750 may, in some embodiments, include one or moredisplay terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices,voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable forentering or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1700.Multiple input/output devices 1750 may be present in computer system1700 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1700. Insome embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate fromcomputer system 1700 and may interact with one or more nodes of computersystem 1700 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over networkinterface 1740.

As shown in FIG. 17, memory 1720 may include program instructions 1722,which may be processor-executable to implement any element or actiondescribed above. In one embodiment, the program instructions mayimplement the methods described above. In other embodiments, differentelements and data may be included. Note that data may include any dataor information described above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 1700 ismerely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may includeany combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicatedfunctions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances,PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 1700 may also beconnected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead mayoperate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality providedby the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined infewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, insome embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustratedcomponents may not be provided and/or other additional functionality maybe available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various itemsare illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while beingused, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memoryand other storage devices for purposes of memory management and dataintegrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of thesoftware components may execute in memory on another device andcommunicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computercommunication. Some or all of the system components or data structuresmay also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on acomputer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by anappropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. Insome embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible mediumseparate from computer system 1700 may be transmitted to computer system1700 via transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments mayfurther include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon acomputer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessiblemedium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ormemory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk orDVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR,RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessiblemedium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, theorder of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elementsmay be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Variousmodifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a personskilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The variousembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsare possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided forcomponents described herein as a single instance. Boundaries betweenvarious components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specificillustrative configurations.

Additional Descriptions of Embodiments Clause 1

A camera system of a multifunction device, including: a first cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuatorfor moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length;and a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field, wherein the secondcamera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second opticalpackage configured for a second focal length; and the second actuatorincludes a second actuator lateral magnet; the first optical package andthe second optical package are situated between the first actuator latermagnet and the second actuator lateral magnet along an axis between thefirst actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet; noactuator lateral magnets are situated between the first optical packageand the second optical package along the axis.

Clause 2

The camera system of clause 1, wherein the first actuator lateral magnetand the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities alignedantiparallel to one another.

Clause 3

The camera system of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the first camera unitand the second camera unit each include a respective first pair of firstactuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another with respectto the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the secondactuator lateral magnet; and the first camera unit and the second cameraunit each include a respective second pair of first actuator transversemagnets situated opposite one another with respect to the axis betweenthe first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateralmagnet.

Clause 4

The camera system of clause 3, wherein the magnets of the respectivefirst pair of first actuator transverse magnets have polarity alignmentsparallel to the respective alignments of corresponding respectivemagnets of the first pair of second actuator transverse magnets.

Clause 5

The camera system of clause 3, wherein the magnets of the respectivefirst pair of first actuator transverse magnets have polarity alignmentsantiparallel to the respective alignments of corresponding respectivemagnets of the first pair of second actuator transverse magnets.

Clause 6

The camera system of clause 5, wherein the first actuator lateral magnetand the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned at rightangles to polarities of the respective first pair of first actuatortransverse magnets.

Clause 7

The camera system of any of clauses 1-6, further including: coilsaligned with current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in whichthe first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnethave polarities aligned.

Clause 8

A camera unit of a multifunction device, including: an optical package;an actuator for moving the optical package to a first focal length,wherein the actuator includes: a lateral magnet to one side of theoptical package, a first pair of first actuator transverse magnetssituated on sides opposite one another with respect to an axis betweenthe optical package and the lateral magnet, wherein the lateral magnetis situated one on one side of the optical package at which notransverse magnets are present; and wherein no actuator lateral magnetis situated on a remaining side of the optical package at which netherthe lateral magnet nor the transverse magnets are situated.

Clause 9

The camera unit of clause 8, further including: coils aligned withcurrent circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which the lateralmagnet and the transverse magnets have polarities aligned.

Clause 10

The camera unit of any of clauses 8-9, further including: coils alignedwith current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in whichthe lateral magnet and the transverse magnets have polarities aligned.

Clause 11

The camera unit of any of clauses 8-10, further including: a second pairof first actuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another withrespect to the axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

Clause 12

The camera unit of clause 11, further including: the magnets of thefirst pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallelto one another.

Clause 13

The camera unit of clause 11, further including: the magnets of thesecond pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallelto one another.

Clause 14

The camera unit of clause 11, further including: the magnets of thefirst pair of transverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallelto magnets of the second pair of transverse magnets situated on a sameside of the axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

Clause 15

An actuator, including: a lateral magnet for moving an optical package,wherein the lateral magnet is situated to one side of the opticalpackage, a first pair of first actuator transverse magnets situated onsides opposite one another with respect to an axis between the opticalpackage and the lateral magnet, wherein the lateral magnet is situatedone on one side of the optical package at which no transverse magnetsare present; and wherein no actuator lateral magnet is situated on aremaining side of the optical package at which nether the lateral magnetnor the transverse magnets are situated.

Clause 16

The actuator of clause 15, further including: coils aligned with currentcirculating in a plane parallel to a plane in which the lateral magnetand the transverse magnets have polarities aligned.

Clause 17

The actuator of any of clauses 15-16, further including: coils alignedwith current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in whichthe lateral magnet and the transverse magnets have polarities aligned.

Clause 18

The actuator of any of clauses 15-17, further including: a second pairof first actuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another withrespect to the axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

Clause 19

The actuator of clause 18, wherein: the magnets of the first pair oftransverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallel to one another.

Clause 20

The actuator of clause 18, wherein: the magnets of the second pair oftransverse magnets have polarity alignments antiparallel to one another.

Clause 21

A camera system of a multifunction device, including: a first cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a first opticalimage stabilization actuator for moving a first optical packageconfigured for a first focal length; and a second camera unit of themultifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of asecond visual field, wherein the second camera unit includes a secondoptical image stabilization actuator for moving a second optical packageconfigured for a second focal length, and the first focal length isdifferent from the second focal length.

Clause 22

The camera system of clause 21, wherein: the camera system includes ashared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the secondcamera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion inboth the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

Clause 23

The camera system of any of clauses 21-22, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit andthe second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creatingmotion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator;the camera system further includes a first actuator lateral magnetpositioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis ofthe first camera unit; the camera system further includes a pair offirst actuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another withrespect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuatorlateral magnet; the camera system further includes a second actuatorlateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to anoptical axis of the second camera unit; and the camera system furtherincludes a pair of second actuator transverse magnets situated oppositeone another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and thesecond actuator lateral magnet.

Clause 24

The camera system of any of clauses 21-23, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder to which are attached one or moremagnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the secondcamera unit used to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motionin one or more of the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator.

Clause 25

The camera system of any of clauses 21-24, wherein: the camera systemincludes one or more stationary magnets secured at fixed positionsrelative to image sensors of the first camera unit and the second cameraunit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in one ormore of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

Clause 26

The camera system of any of clauses 21-25, wherein: the second cameraunit includes a second central magnet array situated along the axisbetween the first optics package of the first camera unit and the secondoptics package of the second camera unit; the second central magnetarray includes an second central upper magnet having a first polarityand a second central lower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to thefirst polarity; the second camera unit includes a second distal magnetarray situated opposite the second central magnet array with respect tothe second optics package of the second camera unit; and the seconddistal magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having thefirst polarity and a second distal upper magnet having the polarityantiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 27

The camera system of clause 26, wherein: the first camera unit includesa first central magnet array situated along an axis between a firstoptics package of the first camera unit and a second optics package ofthe second camera unit; the first central magnet array includes a firstcentral upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lowermagnet having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity; the firstcamera unit includes a first distal magnet array situated opposite thefirst central magnet array with respect to the first optics package ofthe first camera unit; and the first distal magnet array includes afirst distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a first distalupper magnet having the polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 28

The camera system of any of clauses 21-27, further including: a magneticshield between the first optical image stabilization actuator and thesecond optical image stabilization actuator.

Clause 29

The camera system of any of clauses 21-28, further including: a metallicshield between the first optical image stabilization actuator and thesecond optical image stabilization actuator, wherein the metallic shieldincludes steel including at least a quantity of iron, a quantity ofmanganese, a quantity of Sulphur, a quantity of phosphorus, and aquantity of carbon.

Clause 30

A method, including: a first camera unit of a multifunction devicecapturing a first image of a first visual field; a second camera unit ofthe multifunction device simultaneously capturing a second image of asecond visual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a firstoptical package with a first focal length, the second camera unitincludes a second optical package with a second focal length, the firstfocal length is different from the second focal length, and the firstvisual field is a subset of the second visual field; providing opticalimage stabilization to the first camera unit; and providing opticalimage stabilization to the second camera unit.

Clause 31

The method of clause 30, wherein: the providing optical imagestabilization to the first camera unit and the providing optical imagestabilization to the second camera unit further include moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit independently of one another.

Clause 32

The method of any of clauses 30-31, wherein: the providing optical imagestabilization to the first camera unit and the providing optical imagestabilization to the second camera unit further include moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit in unison.

Clause 33

The method of any of clauses 30-32, wherein: the providing optical imagestabilization to the first camera unit and the providing optical imagestabilization to the second camera unit further include generating afirst magnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magneticfield in the second camera unit based on a magnet shared between thefirst camera unit and the second camera unit.

Clause 34

The method of any of clauses 30-33, wherein: the providing optical imagestabilization to the first camera unit and the providing optical imagestabilization to the second camera unit further include moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of afirst camera unit actuator and a second camera unit actuator that sharea central magnet.

Clause 35

The method of any of clauses 30-34, wherein: the providing optical imagestabilization to the first camera unit and the providing optical imagestabilization to the second camera unit further include moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of afirst camera unit actuator and a second camera unit actuator that sharea magnet holder.

Clause 36

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, storing programinstructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executableto implement: capturing a first image of a first visual field with afirst camera unit of a multifunction device; simultaneously capturing asecond image of a second visual field with a second camera unit of themultifunction device, wherein the first camera unit includes a firstoptical package with a first focal length, the second camera unitincludes a second optical package with a second focal length, the firstfocal length is different from the second focal length, and the firstvisual field is a subset of the second visual field; providing opticalimage stabilization to the first camera unit; and providing opticalimage stabilization to the second camera unit.

Clause 37

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of clause 36,wherein: the program instructions computer-executable to implementproviding optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and theproviding optical image stabilization to the second camera unit furtherinclude program instructions computer-executable to implement moving thefirst camera unit and the second camera unit independently of oneanother.

Clause 38

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses36-37, wherein: the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unitfurther include program instructions computer-executable to implementmoving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison.

Clause 39

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses36-38, wherein the program instructions computer-executable to implementproviding optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and theprogram instructions computer-executable to implement providing opticalimage stabilization to the second camera unit further include programinstructions computer-executable to implement generating a firstmagnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field inthe second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first cameraunit and the second camera unit.

Clause 40

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses36-39, wherein: the program instructions computer-executable toimplement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unitand the program instructions computer-executable to implement providingoptical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includeprogram instructions computer-executable to implement moving the firstcamera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of afirst camera unit actuator and a second camera unit actuator that sharea magnet holder.

Clause 41

A camera system of a multifunction device, including: a first cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuatorfor moving a first optical package; and a second camera unit of themultifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of asecond visual field, wherein the second camera unit includes a secondactuator for moving a second optical package, the second camera unitincludes a second central magnet array situated along the axis betweenthe first optics package of the first camera unit and the second opticspackage of the second camera unit, the second central magnet arrayincludes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and asecond central lower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the firstpolarity, the second camera unit includes a second distal magnet arraysituated opposite the second central magnet array with respect to thesecond optics package of the second camera unit, and the second distalmagnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having the firstpolarity and a second distal upper magnet having the polarityantiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 42

The camera system of clause 41, wherein: the first camera unit includesa first central magnet array situated along an axis between a firstoptics package of the first camera unit and a second optics package ofthe second camera unit; the first central magnet array includes a firstcentral upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lowermagnet having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity; the firstcamera unit includes a first distal magnet array situated opposite thefirst central magnet array with respect to the first optics package ofthe first camera unit; and the first distal magnet array includes afirst distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a first distalupper magnet having the polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 43

The camera system of any of clauses 41-42, further including: anautofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coilunit is situated between the second optical package and the secondcentral magnet array.

Clause 44

The camera system of clause 43, further including: an autofocus coilunit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is situatedbetween the second optical package and the second central magnet array;and an exterior coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the exteriorcoil unit includes one or more SP coils situated between the secondcentral magnet array and the first camera unit.

Clause 45

The camera system of clause 44, wherein the exterior coil unit includes:an upper exterior coil segment radially surrounding the second opticalpackage and having a current circulating in a first direction around thesecond optical package, and a lower exterior coil segment radiallysurrounding the second optical package and having a current circulatingin a second direction around the second optical package; and the seconddirection is opposite the first direction.

Clause 46

The camera system of clause 44, wherein the exterior coil unit includes:an upper exterior coil segment situated at a side of the second opticalpackage and having a current circulating along a side of the secondoptical package, and a lower exterior coil segment situated at the sideof the second optical package and having a current circulating along theside of the second optical package.

Clause 47

The camera system of clause 43, wherein the autofocus coil unitincludes: an upper autofocus coil segment radially surrounding thesecond optical package and having a current circulating in a firstdirection around the second optical package, and a lower autofocus coilsegment radially surrounding the second optical package and having acurrent circulating in a second direction around the second opticalpackage; and the second direction is opposite the first direction.

Clause 48

A camera unit of a multifunction device, including: an optical package;and an actuator, wherein the actuator includes: one or more magnetarrays including a plurality of magnets arranged at multiple sides ofthe optical package, one or more autofocus coils arranged betweenrespective ones of the magnet arrays and the optical package, and one ormore exterior coils arranged opposite the autofocus coils with respectto the magnet arrays.

Clause 49

The camera unit of clause 48, wherein: the one or more autofocus coilsradially surround the optical package.

Clause 50

The camera unit of any of clauses 48-49, wherein: each of the one ormore magnet arrays includes an upper magnet having a magnetic fieldaligned in a first direction inward toward the optical package; and eachof the one or more magnet arrays further includes a lower magnet havinga magnetic field aligned in a second direction outward from the opticalpackage.

Clause 51

The camera unit of any of clauses 48-50, wherein: each of the one ormore magnet arrays includes an upper magnet having a magnetic fieldaligned in a first direction; and each of the one or more magnet arraysfurther includes a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in asecond direction antiparallel to the first direction.

Clause 52

The camera unit of any of clauses 48-51, wherein: the one or moreautofocus coils include: an upper autofocus coil segment radiallysurrounding the second optical package and having a current circulatingin a first direction around the second optical package, and a lowerautofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical packageand having a current circulating in a second direction around the secondoptical package; and the second direction is opposite the firstdirection.

Clause 53

The camera unit of any of clauses 48-52, wherein the one or moreexterior coils include: an upper exterior coil segment radiallysurrounding the second optical package and having a current circulatingin a first direction around the second optical package, and a lowerexterior coil segment radially surrounding the second optical packageand having a current circulating in a second direction around the secondoptical package; and the second direction is opposite the firstdirection.

Clause 54

The camera unit of any of clauses 48-53, the one or more exterior coilsinclude: an upper exterior coil segment situated at a side of the secondoptical package and having a current circulating along a side of thesecond optical package, and a lower exterior coil segment situated atthe side of the second optical package and having a current circulatingalong the side of the second optical package in a same direction as theupper exterior coil segment.

Clause 55

A camera system, including: a first camera unit for capturing a firstimage of a first visual field, wherein the first camera unit includes afirst actuator for moving a first optical package within a first rangeof focal lengths; and a second camera unit for simultaneously capturinga second image of a second visual field, wherein the second visual fieldis a subset of the first visual field, the second camera unit includes asecond actuator for moving a second optical package, the second cameraunit includes a second central magnet array situated along the axisbetween the first optics package of the first camera unit and the secondoptics package of the second camera unit, the second central magnetarray includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity anda second central lower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to thefirst polarity.

Clause 56

The camera system of clause 55, wherein: the second camera unit includesa second distal magnet array situated opposite the second central magnetarray with respect to the second optics package of the second cameraunit, and the second distal magnet array includes a second distal lowermagnet having the first polarity and a second distal upper magnet havingthe polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 57

The camera system of any of clauses 55-56, wherein: the first cameraunit includes a first central magnet array situated along an axisbetween a first optics package of the first camera unit and a secondoptics package of the second camera unit; and the first central magnetarray includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity anda first central lower magnet having a polarity antiparallel to the firstpolarity.

Clause 58

The camera system of clause 57, wherein: the first camera unit includesa first distal magnet array situated opposite the first central magnetarray with respect to the first optics package of the first camera unit;and the first distal magnet array includes a first distal lower magnethaving the first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having thepolarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

Clause 59

The camera system of any of clauses 55-58, further including: anautofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coilunit is situated between the second optical package and the secondcentral magnet array.

Clause 60

The camera system of any of clauses 55-59, further including: anexterior coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the exterior coilunit includes one or more SP coils situated between the second centralmagnet array and the first camera unit.

Clause 61

A camera system of a multifunction device, including: a first cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuatorfor moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length;and a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field, wherein the secondcamera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second opticalpackage configured for a second focal length, and the camera systemincludes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit andthe second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creatingmotion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

Clause 62

The camera system of clause 61, wherein: the camera system includes ashared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator, towhich are attached one or more magnets of the first camera unit and oneor more magnets of the second camera unit to generate magnetic fieldsusable in creating motion in the first camera actuator and the secondcamera actuator.

Clause 63

The camera system of any of clauses 61-62, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the secondactuator, from which the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator are suspended using respective sets of control wires mountedwith a pair of control wires in each corner of each respective actuator.

Clause 64

The camera system of any of clauses 61-63, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the secondactuator, from which the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator are attached using respective sets of control wires.

Clause 65

The camera system of any of clauses 61-64, wherein: the camera systemfurther includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite theshared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit;the camera system further includes a pair of first actuator transversemagnets situated opposite one another with respect to an axis betweenthe shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet; the camerasystem further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positionedopposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the secondcamera unit; and the camera system further includes a pair of secondactuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another with respectto an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateralmagnet.

Clause 66

The camera system of any of clauses 61-65, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder to which are attached one or moreside-mounted magnets of the first camera unit and one or moreside-mounted magnets of the second camera unit used to generate magneticfields usable in creating motion in one or more of the first cameraactuator and the second camera actuator.

Clause 67

The camera system of any of clauses 61-66, wherein: the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder to which are moveably articulated one ormore coils of the first camera unit and one or more corner-mountedmagnets of the second camera unit used to usable in creating motion inone or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

Clause 68

A camera system of a multifunction device, including: a first cameraunit of a multifunction device for capturing a first image of a firstvisual field, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuatorfor moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length;and a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneouslycapturing a second image of a second visual field, wherein the secondcamera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second opticalpackage configured for a second focal length, and the camera systemincludes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the secondactuator.

Clause 69

The camera system of clause 68, wherein: the camera system includes oneor more corner magnets of the first camera unit and one or more cornermagnets of the second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable increating motion in both the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator, and the corner magnets are attached to the shared magnetholder.

Clause 70

The camera system of any of clauses 68-69, wherein: the camera systemincludes one or more side magnets of the first camera unit and one ormore side magnets of the second camera unit to generate magnetic fieldsusable in creating motion in both the first camera actuator and thesecond camera actuator, and the magnets are attached to the sharedmagnet holder.

Clause 71

The camera system of any of clauses 68-70, wherein: the camera systemincludes one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or moremagnets of the second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable increating motion in both the first camera actuator and the second cameraactuator, the magnets are attached to the shared magnet holder, and themagnets include a magnet shared between the first camera unit and thesecond camera unit.

Clause 72

The camera system of any of clauses 68-71, wherein: the first cameraactuator and the second actuator are attached to the shared magnetholder using respective sets of control wires mounted with a pair ofcontrol wires in each corner of each respective actuator.

Clause 73

The camera system of any of clauses 68-72, wherein: the first cameraactuator and the second actuator are suspended from the shared magnetholder using respective sets of control wires mounted in each corner ofeach respective actuator.

Clause 74

The camera system of any of clauses 68-73, wherein: the camera systemfurther includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite theshared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit;the camera system further includes a pair of first actuator transversemagnets situated opposite one another with respect to an axis betweenthe shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet; the camerasystem further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positionedopposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the secondcamera unit; and the camera system further includes a pair of secondactuator transverse magnets situated opposite one another with respectto an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateralmagnet.

Clause 75

A camera unit of a multifunction device, including: an optical package;and an actuator, wherein the actuator includes: one or more magnetsarranged at multiple sides of the optical package, wherein one of theone or more magnets is shared with a second actuator for moving a secondoptical package, one or more autofocus coils arranged between respectiveones of the magnets and the optical package.

Clause 76

The camera unit of clause 75, wherein: the one or more autofocus coilsradially surround the optical package.

Clause 77

The camera system of any of clauses 75-76, wherein: the actuator isattached to a magnet holder of the camera using respective sets ofcontrol wires mounted with a pair of control wires in each corner ofeach respective actuator.

Clause 78

The camera system of any of clauses 75-77, wherein: the actuator isarticulated to a magnet holder of the camera using respective sets ofcontrol wires mounted with a pair of control wires in each corner of theactuator, wherein the magnet holder is shared with one or more magnetsof the second actuator.

Clause 79

The camera system of any of clauses 75-78, wherein: the actuator isattached to a magnet holder of the camera using a control wire mountedcontrol wires in each corner of the actuator.

Clause 80

The camera system of any of clauses 75-79, wherein: the actuator issuspended from a magnet holder of the camera using a control wiremounted control wires in each corner of the actuator.

Clause 81

A camera system, comprising: a first camera unit including: a firstvoice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move a first opticalpackage, wherein the first VCM actuator includes a symmetric magnetarrangement; and a second camera unit disposed adjacent to the firstcamera unit, the second camera unit including a second VCM actuatorconfigured to move a second optical package, wherein the second VCMactuator includes an asymmetric magnet arrangement.

Clause 82

The camera system of clause 81, wherein: the first optical packageincludes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and the firstVCM actuator is configured to move the first optical package along theoptical axis and along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis.

Clause 83

The camera system of any of clauses 81-82, wherein: the second opticalpackage includes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and thesecond VCM actuator is configured to move the second optical packagealong the optical axis and along a plane that is orthogonal to theoptical axis.

Clause 84

The camera system of clause 81, wherein: the first optical packageincludes one or more lenses that define a first optical axis; the firstVCM actuator is configured to move the first optical package along thefirst optical axis and along a first plane that is orthogonal to thefirst optical axis; the second optical package includes one or morelenses that define a second optical axis; and the second VCM actuator isconfigured to move the second optical package along the second opticalaxis and along a second plane that is orthogonal to the second opticalaxis.

Clause 85

The camera system of any of clauses 81-84, wherein: the first cameraunit is rectangular in plan; and the symmetric magnet arrangement of thefirst VCM actuator includes four magnets that are individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees to at least one side of the first camera unit.

Clause 86

The camera system of any of clauses 81-85, wherein: the first opticalpackage includes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and thefirst VCM actuator further includes a symmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement for actuation along a plane that isorthogonal to the optical axis.

Clause 87

The camera system of any of clauses 81-86, wherein: the first cameraunit is rectangular in plan; and the symmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement of the first VCM actuator includes fouroptical image stabilization coils that are individually arranged toexhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees to at least one side of the first camera unit.

Clause 88

The camera system of any of clauses 81-87, wherein: the first opticalpackage includes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and thefirst VCM actuator further includes an autofocus coil radiallysurrounding the first optical package for actuation along the opticalaxis.

Clause 89

The camera system of any of clauses 81-88, wherein: the second cameraunit is rectangular in plan; the asymmetric magnet arrangement of thesecond VCM actuator includes: a first magnet disposed proximate a firstside of the second camera unit; a second magnet disposed proximate asecond side of the second camera unit; and a third magnet disposedproximate a third side of the second camera unit, the third sideopposite the second side; and no magnets are disposed proximate a fourthside of the second camera unit, the fourth side opposite the first side.

Clause 90

The camera system of any of clauses 81-89, wherein: the second opticalpackage includes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and thesecond VCM actuator further includes: an asymmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement for actuation along a plane that isorthogonal to the optical axis, the asymmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement including: a first optical imagestabilization coil disposed proximate the first magnet; a second opticalimage stabilization coil disposed proximate the second magnet; and athird optical image stabilization coil disposed proximate the thirdmagnet; a plurality of autofocus coils for actuation along the opticalaxis, the plurality of autofocus coils including: a first autofocus coildisposed proximate the second magnet; and a second autofocus coildisposed proximate the third magnet.

Clause 91

The camera system of any of clauses 81-90, wherein: the first cameraunit is rectangular in plan; the second camera unit is rectangular inplan; the first camera unit is disposed adjacent to the second cameraunit along a first axis that intersects a second axis, the second axisextending through the first optical package and the second opticalpackage; the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuatorincludes four magnets that are individually disposed proximate arespective corner of the first camera unit and individually arranged toexhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees to at least one side of the first camera unit; theasymmetric magnet arrangement of the second VCM actuator includes amagnet disposed proximate a first side of the second camera unit that isdistal to the first axis, the magnet having a longitudinal axis that isparallel to the first axis; and no magnets are disposed proximate asecond side of the second camera unit that is opposite the first side ofthe second camera unit and proximate the first axis, the second sideextending in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Clause 92

A mobile multifunction device, comprising: a first camera unitincluding: a first voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move afirst optical package, wherein: the first optical package includes oneor more lenses that define a first optical axis; and the first VCMactuator includes a symmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement for actuation along a plane that is orthogonal to the firstoptical axis; and a second camera unit including: a second VCM actuatorconfigured to move a second optical package, wherein: the second opticalpackage includes one or more lenses that define a second optical axis;and the second VCM actuator includes an asymmetric optical imagestabilization coil arrangement for actuation along a plane that isorthogonal to the second optical axis.

Clause 93

The mobile multifunction device of clause 92, wherein: the first VCMactuator is configured to move the first optical package along the firstoptical axis and along a first plane that is orthogonal to the firstoptical axis; and the second VCM actuator is configured to move thesecond optical package along the second optical axis and along a secondplane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis.

Clause 94

The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses 92-93, wherein: thefirst VCM actuator further includes: a symmetric magnet arrangement; andan autofocus coil for actuation along the first optical axis, theautofocus coil radially surrounding the first optical package; and thesecond VCM actuator further includes: an asymmetric magnet arrangement;and autofocus coils for actuation along the second optical axis.

Clause 95

The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses 92-94, wherein: thefirst camera unit is rectangular in plan; the second camera unit isrectangular in plan; the first camera unit is disposed adjacent to thesecond camera unit along a first axis that intersects a second axis, thesecond axis extending through the first optical package and the secondoptical package; the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCMactuator includes four magnets that are individually disposed proximatea respective corner of the first camera unit and individually arrangedto exhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees to at least one side of the first camera unit; theasymmetric magnet arrangement of the second VCM actuator includes afirst magnet disposed proximate a first side of the second camera unitthat is distal to the first axis, the first magnet having a longitudinalaxis that is parallel to the first axis; and no magnets are disposedproximate a second side of the second camera unit that is opposite thefirst side of the second camera unit and proximate the first axis, thesecond side extending in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Clause 96

The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses 92-95, wherein: theasymmetric magnet arrangement further includes: a second magnet disposedproximate a third side of the second camera unit; and a third magnetdisposed proximate a fourth side of the second camera unit that isopposite the third side; and at least one of the second magnet or thethird magnet is a dual pole magnet.

Clause 97

A system, comprising: a first voice coil motor (VCM) actuator thatincludes a symmetric magnet arrangement; and a second VCM actuatordisposed adjacent to the first VCM actuator, wherein the second VCMactuator includes an asymmetric magnet arrangement.

Clause 98

The system of clause 97, wherein: the symmetric magnet arrangement ofthe first VCM actuator includes: a first single pole magnet; and asecond single pole magnet; and the asymmetric magnet arrangement of thesecond VCM actuator includes: a first dual pole magnet disposedproximate the first single pole magnet of the symmetric magnetarrangement of the first VCM actuator; and a second dual pole magnetdisposed proximate the second single pole magnet of the symmetric magnetarrangement of the first VCM actuator.

Clause 99

The system of any of clauses 97-98, wherein: the first VCM actuator ispart of a first module that is rectangular in plan; the second VCMactuator is part of a second module that is rectangular in plan; thesymmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuator includes fourmagnets that are individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry abouta respective plane that is angled at or about 45 degrees to at least oneside of the first module; the asymmetric magnet arrangement of thesecond VCM actuator includes: a first magnet disposed proximate a firstside of the second module; a second magnet disposed proximate a secondside of the second module; and a third magnet disposed proximate a thirdside of the second module, the third side opposite the second side; andno magnets are disposed proximate a fourth side of the second module,the fourth side opposite the first side.

Clause 100

The system of any of clauses 97-99, wherein: the first VCM actuatorfurther includes a symmetric coil arrangement, wherein the symmetriccoil arrangement includes multiple coils that are individuallyconfigured to interact with at least one magnet of the symmetric magnetarrangement at least partly responsive to receiving a current; and thesecond VCM actuator further includes an asymmetric coil arrangement,wherein the asymmetric coil arrangement includes multiple coils that areindividually configured to interact with at least one magnet of theasymmetric magnet arrangement at least partly responsive to receiving acurrent.

Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall withinthe scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionalitypresented as discrete components in the example configurations may beimplemented as a combined structure or component. These and othervariations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall withinthe scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera system, comprising: a first camera unitincluding: a first voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move afirst optical package, wherein the first VCM actuator includes asymmetric magnet arrangement; and a second camera unit disposed adjacentto the first camera unit, the second camera unit including: a second VCMactuator configured to move a second optical package, wherein the secondVCM actuator includes an asymmetric magnet arrangement.
 2. The camerasystem of claim 1, wherein: the first optical package includes one ormore lenses that define an optical axis; and the first VCM actuator isconfigured to move the first optical package along the optical axis andalong a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis.
 3. The camerasystem of claim 1, wherein: the second optical package includes one ormore lenses that define an optical axis; and the second VCM actuator isconfigured to move the second optical package along the optical axis andalong a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis.
 4. The camerasystem of claim 1, wherein: the first optical package includes one ormore lenses that define a first optical axis; the first VCM actuator isconfigured to move the first optical package along the first opticalaxis and along a first plane that is orthogonal to the first opticalaxis; the second optical package includes one or more lenses that definea second optical axis; and the second VCM actuator is configured to movethe second optical package along the second optical axis and along asecond plane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis.
 5. Thecamera system of claim 1, wherein: the first camera unit is rectangularin plan; and the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuatorincludes four magnets that are individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled at or about 45 degreesto at least one side of the first camera unit.
 6. The camera system ofclaim 1, wherein: the first optical package includes one or more lensesthat define an optical axis; and the first VCM actuator further includesa symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement for actuationalong a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis.
 7. The camerasystem of claim 6, wherein: the first camera unit is rectangular inplan; and the symmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement ofthe first VCM actuator includes four optical image stabilization coilsthat are individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry about arespective plane that is angled at or about 45 degrees to at least oneside of the first camera unit.
 8. The camera system of claim 1, wherein:the first optical package includes one or more lenses that define anoptical axis; and the first VCM actuator further includes an autofocuscoil radially surrounding the first optical package for actuation alongthe optical axis.
 9. The camera system of claim 1, wherein: the secondcamera unit is rectangular in plan; the asymmetric magnet arrangement ofthe second VCM actuator includes: a first magnet disposed proximate afirst side of the second camera unit; a second magnet disposed proximatea second side of the second camera unit; and a third magnet disposedproximate a third side of the second camera unit, the third sideopposite the second side; and no magnets are disposed proximate a fourthside of the second camera unit, the fourth side opposite the first side.10. The camera system of claim 9, wherein: the second optical packageincludes one or more lenses that define an optical axis; and the secondVCM actuator further includes: an asymmetric optical image stabilizationcoil arrangement for actuation along a plane that is orthogonal to theoptical axis, the asymmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement including: a first optical image stabilization coil disposedproximate the first magnet; a second optical image stabilization coildisposed proximate the second magnet; and a third optical imagestabilization coil disposed proximate the third magnet; a plurality ofautofocus coils for actuation along the optical axis, the plurality ofautofocus coils including: a first autofocus coil disposed proximate thesecond magnet; and a second autofocus coil disposed proximate the thirdmagnet.
 11. The camera system of claim 1, wherein: the first camera unitis rectangular in plan; the second camera unit is rectangular in plan;the first camera unit is disposed adjacent to the second camera unitalong a first axis that intersects a second axis, the second axisextending through the first optical package and the second opticalpackage; the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuatorincludes four magnets that are individually disposed proximate arespective corner of the first camera unit and individually arranged toexhibit mirror symmetry about a respective plane that is angled at orabout 45 degrees to at least one side of the first camera unit; theasymmetric magnet arrangement of the second VCM actuator includes amagnet disposed proximate a first side of the second camera unit that isdistal to the first axis, the magnet having a longitudinal axis that isparallel to the first axis; and no magnets are disposed proximate asecond side of the second camera unit that is opposite the first side ofthe second camera unit and proximate the first axis, the second sideextending in a direction parallel to the first axis.
 12. A mobilemultifunction device, comprising: a first camera unit including: a firstvoice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move a first opticalpackage, wherein: the first optical package includes one or more lensesthat define a first optical axis; and the first VCM actuator includes asymmetric optical image stabilization coil arrangement for actuationalong a plane that is orthogonal to the first optical axis; and a secondcamera unit including: a second VCM actuator configured to move a secondoptical package, wherein: the second optical package includes one ormore lenses that define a second optical axis; and the second VCMactuator includes an asymmetric optical image stabilization coilarrangement for actuation along a plane that is orthogonal to the secondoptical axis.
 13. The mobile multifunction device of claim 12, wherein:the first VCM actuator is configured to move the first optical packagealong the first optical axis and along a first plane that is orthogonalto the first optical axis; the second VCM actuator is configured to movethe second optical package along the second optical axis and along asecond plane that is orthogonal to the second optical axis.
 14. Themobile multifunction device of claim 12, wherein: the first VCM actuatorfurther includes: a symmetric magnet arrangement; and an autofocus coilfor actuation along the first optical axis, the autofocus coil radiallysurrounding the first optical package; and the second VCM actuatorfurther includes: an asymmetric magnet arrangement; and autofocus coilsfor actuation along the second optical axis.
 15. The mobilemultifunction device of claim 14, wherein: the first camera unit isrectangular in plan; the second camera unit is rectangular in plan; thefirst camera unit is disposed adjacent to the second camera unit along afirst axis that intersects a second axis, the second axis extendingthrough the first optical package and the second optical package; thesymmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuator includes fourmagnets that are individually disposed proximate a respective corner ofthe first camera unit and individually arranged to exhibit mirrorsymmetry about a respective plane that is angled at or about 45 degreesto at least one side of the first camera unit; the asymmetric magnetarrangement of the second VCM actuator includes a first magnet disposedproximate a first side of the second camera unit that is distal to thefirst axis, the first magnet having a longitudinal axis that is parallelto the first axis; and no magnets are disposed proximate a second sideof the second camera unit that is opposite the first side of the secondcamera unit and proximate the first axis, the second side extending in adirection parallel to the first axis.
 16. The mobile multifunctiondevice of claim 15, wherein: the asymmetric magnet arrangement furtherincludes: a second magnet disposed proximate a third side of the secondcamera unit; and a third magnet disposed proximate a fourth side of thesecond camera unit that is opposite the third side; and at least one ofthe second magnet or the third magnet is a dual pole magnet.
 17. Asystem, comprising: a first voice coil motor (VCM) actuator thatincludes a symmetric magnet arrangement; and a second VCM actuatordisposed adjacent to the first VCM actuator, wherein the second VCMactuator includes an asymmetric magnet arrangement.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein: the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCMactuator includes: a first single pole magnet; and a second single polemagnet; and the asymmetric magnet arrangement of the second VCM actuatorincludes: a first dual pole magnet disposed proximate the first singlepole magnet of the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCMactuator; and a second dual pole magnet disposed proximate the secondsingle pole magnet of the symmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCMactuator.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein: the first VCM actuator ispart of a first module that is rectangular in plan; the second VCMactuator is part of a second module that is rectangular in plan; thesymmetric magnet arrangement of the first VCM actuator includes fourmagnets that are individually arranged to exhibit mirror symmetry abouta respective plane that is angled at or about 45 degrees to at least oneside of the first module; the asymmetric magnet arrangement of thesecond VCM actuator includes: a first magnet disposed proximate a firstside of the second module; a second magnet disposed proximate a secondside of the second module; and a third magnet disposed proximate a thirdside of the second module, the third side opposite the second side; andno magnets are disposed proximate a fourth side of the second module,the fourth side opposite the first side.
 20. The system of claim 17,wherein: the first VCM actuator further includes a symmetric coilarrangement, wherein the symmetric coil arrangement includes multiplecoils that are individually configured to interact with at least onemagnet of the symmetric magnet arrangement at least partly responsive toreceiving a current; and the second VCM actuator further includes anasymmetric coil arrangement, wherein the asymmetric coil arrangementincludes multiple coils that are individually configured to interactwith at least one magnet of the asymmetric magnet arrangement at leastpartly responsive to receiving a current.